Monday, August 28, 2017

Grand Junction man arrested for sex crimes against children

Brian Matthew Tate, 30
MCSO Photo
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo - Mesa County Sheriff’s Deputies took Brian Matthew Tate, 30, into custody last night after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Tate faces the following charges:
  • 2 counts Sexual Assault on a Child Position of Trust (Class 3 Felony)
  • 1 count Sexual Assault (Class 3 Felony) 
  • 3 counts Sexual Assault on a Child Position of Trust (Class 4 Felony)
  • 3 counts Sexual Assault on a Child Pattern of Abuse (Class 3 Felony) 
  • 1 count Criminal Attempt of Unlawful Sexual Contact (Class 5 Felony) 
  • 6 counts of First Degree Official Misconduct (Class 2 Misdemeanor) 
Tate is accused of having unlawful sexual contact with 2 girls while a working as a youth services specialist at the Grand Mesa Youth Services Center in Grand Junction. All of the victims were incarcerated at the time of the alleged incidents.

Colorado Division of Youth Services is cooperating with the investigation.

Tate is currently being held in the Mesa County Detention Facility on a No Bond Hold until first appearance. For updated bond amounts on any inmate currently in our jail, visit our Inmate Inquiry System webpage.

The case is still under investigation.

If anyone has information about this case or potential victims please contact the Mesa County Sheriff’s Witness Tip Line at (970) 244-3526.



Friday, August 25, 2017

Sexually Violent Preditor Community Notification

Sexually Violent Predator Changes addresses in County

Willie Privette Jr, 37,

MESA COUNTY, Colo. -- This public notice is intended to make our community aware that a registered sex offender, classified as a sexually violent predator, is moving his residency. Further details about this offender and his new location, Click here and choose the Willie Privette Bulletin from our County web page about sexually violent predators in Mesa County. 

A 'sexually violent predator' is a term used by the Colorado Sex Offender Management Board, who classifies a convicted sex offender with this additional descriptor. Willie Privette Jr., 37 of Grand Junction, has served his convicted sentence in the Colorado Department of Corrections prison facilities as ordered by a Judge. He transitioned into Community Corrections while under the supervision of a local Parole Agent, and then completed his time supervised as a parolee. Willie Privette registered with the Mesa County Sheriff's Office and listed his new residence with our agency, per compliance with registration laws. Because Privette registered his address as homeless, he is required to check in with the Sheriff's Office every month. He has been and remains current with all his registration requirements. 

All community notification bulletins for all current SVPs registered with our agency are on our agency website, to view them, click here. In addition, we highly recommend you watch a 12 minute video that talks about SVPs and all registered sex offenders, resources and other useful information specific to Mesa County. For current information on all registered sex offenders in Mesa County, visit our countywide joint website and be sure to choose the link to enroll up to five physical addresses and be notified if a registered sex offender or new registered sex offender moves into a designated area around the addresses you input. This is an extremely useful tool.

If you have information regarding current criminal activity of this or any other offender, please call 911 for an emergency.  If you observe this offender engaging in any high risk or inappropriate behavior, please contact the Mesa County Sheriff's Office, patrol units, by calling 911 or (970) 242-6707. If you have questions or need education handouts, please contact Mesa County Sex Offender Registrar LeeAnn Camp at (970) 244-3206, or her direct supervisor Sgt. Henry Stoffel (970) 244-3973.

Most sex crimes are never reported and most offenders are never detected. The greatest risk of sex offense is from people you know. The information provided herein (on the embedded community bulletin) is current and accurate as of the date, but is subject to change.

The purpose of this notification is to enhance public safety and protection. Vigilantism, or use of this information to harass, threaten or intimidate anyone associated with this notification will not be tolerated. 

This law enforcement agency has no legal authority to direct where a sex offender may live (however, we make it public information so citizens can be aware and educate themselves). Unless court restrictions exist, they are constitutionally free to live wherever they choose. Sex offenders have always lived in our community, but they were not required to notify law enforcement of their residence until registration laws were implemented pursuant to the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act. Law enforcement may now share that information with members of the community, and in the case of sexually violent predators, law enforcement must actively notify citizens. This blog posting is only one of the means we are getting this information out to citizens of Mesa County.





Thursday, August 24, 2017

25 pounds of meth seized

German Michel-Arreola, 22
MCSO Photo

MESA COUNTY, Colo – Members of the Western Colorado Drug Task Force seized 25 pounds of meth and arrested three people after a traffic stop on I-70 Tuesday morning.

A Mesa County Sheriff deputy with the Drug Task Force stopped the Dodge Avenger on I-70 at mile post 16 in Fruita. The three people were in the car. The driver was identified as 13-year-old Israel Arreola, with two passengers German Michel-Arreola, 22, and Irene Michel-Arreola, 19, all from Los Angeles.

After consenting to a search of a the vehicle, 23 packages containing a crystalline substance 
Irene Michel-Arreola, 19
MCSO Photo
consistent with methamphetamine where removed.

All three are facing drugs charges of Distribution/Manufacturing/Possession with Intent >225g of Schedule I/II or >112g Meth. Heroin, Ketamine, Cathinone or > 50mg of Flunitrazépam (Class 1 Drug Felony) and Special Circumstances Import of >14g Schedule I/II 7g Meth. Heroin, Ketamine, Cathinone or > 10mg of Flunitrazépam (Class 1 Drug Felony).

Israel Arreola is facing additional charges of Failed to Drive in a Designated Lane, and Drove without a Valid Driver’s License. Arreola is being held at the Grand Mesa Youth Services Center in Grand Junction.

German Michel-Arreola, and Irene Michel-Arreola are being held in the Mesa County Detention Facility. For updated bond amounts on any inmate, visit our Inmate Inquiry System webpage.

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Crime Stoppers: Crime of the Week

FRUITA, Colo - The Fruita Police Department is requesting your help to identify one of the two male subjects involved in a robbery.

About 7 p.m. on Monday, August 14th two males entered the Fruita Co-Op located at 1650 Hwy 6 & 50 and attempted to leave the business without paying for items concealed in their clothing. When store employees approached them, a struggle began and two employees were injured.

The first subject, wearing a gray t-shirt, was located and arrested later that night. The second subject is described as a white male about 5’10” tall, 150 to 170 pounds, with earrings in both ears and multiple tattoos on both arms. He was last seen wearing a #33 blue and white jersey, white shorts and a blue baseball cap. He was walking eastbound on the sidewalk in front of the Fruita True Value on August 15th. Photos of suspects can be viewed at www.241stop.com.

If you know the identity or whereabouts of the subject involved in this crime, please contact Crime Stoppers at 241-7867. Information reported to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest can earn you up to $1,000 cash reward and you will remain completely anonymous. For more information, see us at www.241stop.com.

Fruita PD# 2017-5702

Monday, August 21, 2017

UPDATE:Family of home destroyed thanks community

UPDATE: The Family says they are truly blessed from all of the community support they have received. Donations have poured in from the community.  At this time, they have more clothing than they could've imagined. Thank you doesn't even begin to express their gratitude.

Any left over items will be donated to local charities. 

Thank you for continuing to respect their privacy at this time.


-----------
Previous:
8/19/2017

The Family of the home that was destroyed overnight by a suspected gas leak on 30 Road has asked us to thank the public on their behalf. They have been overwhelmed by the generous outpouring of support by the community.  Many people are asking what they can do to help.

Calvary Chapel Church is accepting donations on the Family's behalf. They are located at:
492 Morning Glory Ln # 4
Grand Junction, CO 81504
(970) 243-2579

Donations can be made: 
Sunday 11:00 am- 1:00pm 
Monday- Thursday 10:00 am-5:00pm

No specific donations are being requested at this time.

The Family is asking the public and media to respect their privacy at this time. Thank you.  

Friday, August 18, 2017

UPDATE: Two charged with weapons violations in Orchard Mesa Incident

UPDATE: The two people involved in Friday morning's incident in Orchard Mesa were arrested on weapons related charges this afternoon.

Jaben Lawson, 27, and Christopher Lashbrook, 38, were arrested on the same charges: Possession of a Weapon by a Previous Offender (Class 6 Felony) and Tampering with Physical Evidence (Class 6 Felony). They are currently being held in the Mesa County Detention Facility.

Mesa County Sheriff's investigators are still collecting evidence and interviewing witness related to this morning's report of a shooting on the 2800 block of Quincy Lane. Investigators are working to determine the events that led up to the incident and if there are any outstanding suspects or victims involved.

The case is still under investigation. All documents related to this case are under seal by the court.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call the Mesa County Sheriff’s Witness Tip Line at (970) 244-3526.

For the previous Press Release click here.

Deputies respond to a report of a shooting in Orchard Mesa

ORCHARD MESA, Colo – Mesa County Sheriff deputies responded to reports of a shooting at a home on the 2800 block of Quincy Lane in Orchard Mesa at 4:08 Friday morning.

The MCSO SWAT Team also responded. Two male subjects in the house came out, one of which was the person who had called 911 initially. The other subject did have a minor injury to his leg. He was treated by paramedics at the scene.

At 4:26 a.m. a Community Notification went out to homes within a ½ mile radius advising residents to shelter in place. It was lifted at 6:10 a.m. for most homes, and at 6:48 a.m. for the residents living next to the home where the incident occurred.

District 51 was notified as a precaution, however bus routes and the start of school were not affected.

The MCSO SWAT team did go through the home methodically to make sure a shooter was not still inside. No one was found inside.

Both of the subjects initially inside the home at the time of the 911 call are currently being interviewed by Mesa County Sheriff’s investigators. Investigators are working to determine the events that led up to this morning's incident and if there are any outstanding suspects or victims involved.

The case is still under investigation.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call the Mesa County Sheriff’s Witness Tip Line at (970) 244-3526.

Thursday, August 10, 2017

Grand Junction man arrested for sex crimes against children

 
Collin Jensen, 41
MCSO Photo 
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo - Mesa County Sheriff’s Deputies took Collin James Jensen, 41, into custody after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Jensen is accused of committing unlawful sexual acts with at least three separate children and recording some of those acts between May 7, 2014 and July 28, 2017.

Jensen is facing the following charges: 

  • 5 counts of Sexual Assault on a Child in a Pattern of Abuse (Class 3 Felony)
  • 5 counts of Sexual Assault on a Child in a Position of Trust Pattern of Abuse (Class 3 Felony)
  • 2 counts of Sexual Assault on a Child (Class 4 Felony)
  • 2 counts of Sexual Assault on a Child in a Position of Trust (Class 3 Felony) 
  • Crime of Violence Sentence Enhancer 
  • Jessica’s Law Sentence Enhancer

The case is still actively being investigated. Mesa County Sheriff’s investigators are still analyzing evidence and determining if there are any more victims in this case.

If anyone has information about this case please contact the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office Witness Tip Line at (970) 244-3526.

Jensen is currently being held in the Mesa County Detention Facility on a No Bond Hold until his first appearance in court. For updated bond amounts on any inmate, visit our Inmate Inquiry System webpage.

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Crime Stoppers: Crime of the Week


GRAND JUNCTION, Colo - Crime Stoppers needs your help in locating the suspects that stole a SUV parked in the 1600 block of North 18th Street. 

Sometime between 10 p.m. on Sunday, May 21st and 7 a.m. on Monday, May 22nd, the suspects unlawfully gained entry and stole the SUV parked in a residential driveway. 

The stolen SUV is described as a white 2010 GMC Acadia with tinted windows and bearing Colorado license plate number A575406. 

The photo of a possible suspect was caught on camera. 

The total estimated property loss is over $16,000. 

If you know the identity or whereabouts of the subjects involved in this crime, please contact Crime Stoppers at 241-STOP (7867). Information reported to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest can earn you up to $1,000 cash reward and you will remain completely anonymous. For more information, visit www.241stop.com. 

GJPD# 2017-31380

Monday, August 7, 2017

UPDATE: Wanted subject taken into custody

Ashley Jaime, 24
MCSO Photo 8-7-17
MESA COUNTY, Colo - The Mesa County Sheriff Office has taken Ashley Jaime, 24, into custody after a warrant was issued for her arrest last week in connection with Travis Carothers' death on June 17, 2017.

Jaime is facing charges of Attempt to Influence a Public Servant (Class 4 Felony), Tampering with Physical Evidence (Class 6 Felony), Criminal Impersonation (Class 6 Felony) and two counts of False Reporting to Authorities (Class 3 Misdemeanor).

When Jaime was arrested just after midnight, drugs were found in her possession. She is now facing additional charges of Unlawful Possession of Schedule I/II Substance (Class 4 Felony) and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Jaime is currently being held in the Mesa County Detention Facility on a No Bond Hold until her first appearance in Court.

For previous press releases on this case click here. 

The case is still under investigation.

Friday, August 4, 2017

UPDATE: 3 hikers found SAFE on the Grand Mesa

Mesa County Search and Rescue Teams
Command Post at Mesa Top Trailhead
MESA COUNTY, Colo - UPDATE: Everyone has been found safe.

Marshia, Signe, and Zophie were found safe and in good health just before 2:00 Friday afternoon about 8 miles as the crow flies from the Mesa Top Trailhead where they began their hike about 24 hours earlier.

The three hikers found a cabin on the 18000 block of George Creek Road in Delta County this afternoon. They were able to get assistance and call 911. They were picked up and taken to the command post and reunited with their family members working with the search effort.
Found SAFE
Marshia Peterson, 40

The cabin is located outside of the 10 square mile search area that highly trained search and rescue volunteers from Mesa County and Delta County began searching yesterday.

Found SAFE
Signe Peterson, 10
Several agencies and volunteer groups were involved in the search including the Mesa County Sheriff's Office, Bureau of Land Management, Delta County Search and Rescue, Delta County Sheriff's Office, Mesa County Search and Rescue Ground Team, Mesa County Search and Rescue ATV Team, Mesa County Search and Rescue Communications Team, Rescue Dogs, West Elk Search and Rescue, and a state multi-mission plane.

The Mesa Top Trailhead is located on the Grand Mesa at about 10,000 feet in elevation.

Found SAFE
Zophie Peterson, 8
When going into the wilderness make sure you are prepared for the conditions. That includes carrying a CORSAR card. The Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue card costs only $3 for 1 year or $12 for 5 years and it helps reimburse for the costs of Search and Rescues. Mesa County does not charge people for rescues. To get your CORSAR card and learn more about the program
click here.

Mesa County Search and Rescue Teams are 100% volunteer and relay on donations for training and equipment. To support our local volunteers and learn more about their programs click here and here.
_______________________________



Previous Release:

MESA COUNTY, Colo -  The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office is currently searching for 3 lost hikers from Fruita on the Grand Mesa.

Marshia (Marsha) Peterson, 40, and her two daughters, Signe (Sig-nee), 10, and Zophie (Zoe), 8, were last seen around 1:30 p.m. yesterday at the Flowing Park Overlook. The three hikers were believed to be hiking at the Mesa Top Trailhead.

When they didn’t return to their campsite family members called 911. The initial report came into Delta County last night. The trail runs along the Delta County/Mesa County line. The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office is now leading the search efforts.

Several agencies and volunteer groups are involved in the search including the the Mesa County Sheriff's Office, Bureau of Land Management, Delta County Search and Rescue, Mesa County Search and Rescue Ground Team, Mesa County Search and Rescue ATV Team, Mesa County Search and Rescue Communications Team, Rescue Dogs, West Elk Search and Rescue, and a state multi-mission plane.

Marshia goes by Marsha and was last seen wearing capri jeans with a white and black or white and gray zip up hoodie. She is described as a 40-year-old female 5'4" weighing 147 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes.

Signe is 10 years old and was last seen wearing a white short-sleeved shirt with gold tassels and shorts.

Zophie goes by Zoe and is 8 years old. She was last seen wearing capri pants and a darker-colored shirt with tennis shoes.

If you see these hikers or have information as to their whereabouts please call the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office at (970) 242-6707 or call 911.

*Note a previous version incorrectly stated Civil Air Patrol was involved in the search 

Thursday, August 3, 2017

One arrested, another wanted in deadly shooting

Alejandra Torres, 26
MCSO Photo 8/3/2017
MESA COUNTY, Colo - The Mesa County Sheriff Office has made another arrest and is actively looking for wanted person in connection with Travis Carothers' death on June 17, 2017.

Alejandra Torres, 26, was taken into custody after a warrant was issued for her arrest. She is facing charges of Attempt to Influence a Public Servant (Class 4 Felony) and False Reporting to Authorities (Class 3 Misdemeanor).

Torres is currently being held at the Mesa County Detention Facility on a No Bond Hold until her first appearance in Court. 

Wanted
Ashley Jaime, 24
MCSO Photo 7/9/017
Investigators have also obtained a No Bond Warrant for the arrest of Ashley Jaime, 24, for Attempt to Influence a Public Servant (Class 4 Felony), Tampering with Physical Evidence (Class 6 Felony), Criminal Impersonation (Class 6 Felony) and two counts of False Reporting to Authorities (Class 3 Misdemeanor).

Deputies are actively looking for Jaime and are asking for the public's assistance in locating her. Jaime is described as a 24-year-old white female, 5'4" and weighing 104 pounds.  

If you have information on Jaime's whereabouts please contact the Mesa County Sheriff's Office at (970) 242-6707.

The case is still under investigation.


Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Lift Friday

MESA COUNTY, Colo - The Mesa County Sheriff, and Bureau of Land Management in coordination with the Mesa County Fire Chief’s Association are lifting the Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective at 12:01 am Friday, August 4th, 2017.

Recent rains have helped ease the fire danger caused by this year’s extreme hot and dry summer. The National Weather Service is also forecasting cooler temperatures and more rain, moisture that will continue to help conditions improve.

Despite this encouraging news, wildfires this summer are still a possibly in Mesa County. The public is asked to remain cautious with activities that could ignite a wildfire. People should continue to be vigilant and use caution when burning or using fire outdoors, especially in heavily forested and grassy areas.

Conditions will continue to be monitored and restrictions will be adjusted accordingly if conditions change.

In addition, many surrounding counties are also changing or lifting their current fire bans. If you are visiting another county, please contact them directly to know their fire restrictions before building a campfire or grilling outdoors. Also, visit the State Office of Emergency Management to see a statewide map on fire bans at: http://www.coemergency.com/p/fire-bans-danger.html.

A reminder, fireworks are never permitted on federal land. Wood fires are never permitted anywhere on the Colorado National Monument.