Friday, October 30, 2015

Deputies Respond To Adult Male, Shooting Injury

Shooting Incident Active Investigation

Mesa County, Colo. -- As of November 2, 2015, evidence in this investigation leads to this incident being an accidental self-inflicted shooting. To date, the handgun has not been located. Anyone who knows where the gun is at or finds it, should call 911 or non-emergency dispatch at 242-6707, to report it.

No further updates are anticipated on this case.

Previously Released on October 30, 2015...


Mesa County, Colo. -- Just before 6 a.m., deputies were notified of an adult male who arrived at a local hospital for medical treatment of a leg injury. Deputies believe he was injured in the area of 3200 E Road, Clifton. Through further investigation, it appears the man was injured with a handgun and deputies are currently investigating the circumstance behind the shooting.

Deputies have learned the handgun was possibly thrown on the side of the road, E Road, in Clifton, between 32 and 33 Roads. An alternate location for the handgun is possibly in the canal in the same area. Deputies have searched the area but are asking anyone who might locate it or anything suspicious in that immediate area, should call 911 or non-emergency dispatch at 242-6707.

Additional updates will be provided as they become available.



Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Distribution Amounts Of Meth & Marijuana Top Recent Arrests

Forty Pounds Of Meth Found In Hidden Vehicle Compartment, Marijuana Enroute To Denver Dispensary

Forty pounds of vacuum sealed methamphetamine in one pound packages.
Two adult males were arrested on I-70, near Loma, Colo., on October 27, 2015.

Mesa County, Colo. -- In separate arrests yesterday, Western Colorado Drug Task Force Interdiction Investigators, located distribution amounts of both marijuana and methamphetamine. Five pounds of marijuana was located in a suitcase being carried by a Greyhound bus passenger traveling from California to Denver. Just a few hours later, the same investigators located 40 pounds of meth in a hidden compartment of an SUV, on Interstate 70 near Loma, Colorado.

Kamau Frazier, 38
MCSO PHOTO: Oct. 2015
Kamau Frazier, 38, of Bakersfield, Calif., was arrested in the 200 block of 5th Street, in Grand Junction, at 2:40 p.m., yesterday. He was charged and booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on one felony count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Frazier admitted to investigators he was transporting the marijuana to a dispensary in Denver.

Carlos Colonel-Quintana, 33
MCSO PHOTO: Oct. 2015
Just before 5 p.m., a traffic stop was conducted on I-70 near eastbound mile marker 14, on a Jeep Liberty SUV with two adult males in it. Daniel Galindo-Gonzalez, 31, of Denver, was the driver and was ultimately cited for failure to drive in a single lane (weaving).

Investigators located a hidden compartment in the rear of the vehicle, which held 40 vacuum sealed 1 pound packages of methamphetamine. Carlos Coronel-Quintana, 33, of Denver and Galindo-Gonzalez were arrested and booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on one felony count each of possession with intent to distribute and special circumstances of importing a schedule I/II drug.

Daniel Galindo-Gonzalez, 31
MCSO PHOTO: Oct. 2015
Distribution value on approximately 40 pounds of meth is approximately a quarter to a half a million dollars. Street value for this same amount of meth is approximately 1.8 million dollars or more.

Bond updates and other information can be located on our Inmate Inquiry System webpage, for any inmate currently in our facility.

Friday, October 23, 2015

Three Arrested On Meth

Meth Arrests & Not So Friendly Fight


Cari Tindell
MCSO Photo: Oct. 2015
Mesa County, Colo. -- Deputies conducting a business check at a local storage center yesterday, ended up arresting three adults on active warrants and meth related charges. Deputies heard voices coming from a specific storage unit, to include one person saying they were going to smoke it up.
Michael Balentine
MCSO Photo: Oct. 2015

Inside the storage unit, deputies found Michael Balentine, 51, and Cari Tindell, 54, both had active arrest warrants and Cari has a bond condition that bans her from being around Balentine. Also, in the unit was Mark Tindell, 55, of Grand Junction. All three of the adults were charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and Cari was charged with a violation of her bond conditions. They were booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on the active warrants and new charges.

Mark Tindell
MCSO Photo: Oct. 2015

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Join Us! Open Invitation For Coffee With A Cop


Recent Drug Arrests Include Heroin, Meth & Loaded Gun

Guns, Drugs Top Recent Mesa County Arrests


Joseph Cardenas, 27
MCSO Photo: Oct. 2015
Mesa County, Colo. -- On October 20, a traffic stop on westbound I-70, about 7 miles from the Utah border, resulted in deputies finding heroin, marijuana and cocaine in a car with Illinois license plates. The vehicle was being driven by Joseph Cardenas, 27, and the passenger was Roberto Diaz, 23, both of Chicago. In addition to the drugs, deputies located a .40 caliber load glock pistol.
Roberto Diaz, 23
MCSO Photo: Oct. 2015

Joseph was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on charges related to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, distribution of heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia, possessing a deadly weapon during an offense/special circumstances and driving infractions.

Roberto was booked into the jail on charges related to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, distribution of heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia and possessing a deadly weapon during an offense/special circumstances.

Both men remain in custody on $50,000 cash only bonds, at this time.

Billy Sharp, 23
MCSO Photo: Oct. 2015
Across town on the same day, in Clifton, deputies were called to a residence to assist Clifton Fire Department on a possible drug overdose of an adult female. Deputies found Billy Sharp in the same home as the female with the medical issue. Bill, 23, was found in possession of suspected methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and tampering with evidence.

Billy has since posted a $5,000 PR bond and been released from jail. He is scheduled back in court on October 29, at 8:15 a.m.

Brandi Scarrow, 26
MCSO Photo: Oct. 2015
A traffic stop in the 2800 block of North Avenue, Grand Junction, resulted in the arrest of the driver Jolene Scarrow, 26, of Grand Junction, on October 16. Jolene was arrested and booked into the jail on possession of meth, tampering with evidence and failure to stop at a stop sign. She was given a $1,000 PR bond and released from jail.

Brandi Dowell, 34
MCSO Photo: Oct. 2015
Brandi Dowell, 34, of Clifton was arrested on Wednesday and charged with possession of meth and possession of drug paraphernalia. Deputies had contacted her in the area of Patterson Road and Agana Drive, in Grand Junction. She received a $5,000 PR bond was released from jail.

On Monday, deputies assisted Lower Valley Fire Department on a medical call in the Fruita area after dispatch received a call of an adult female with a neck injury. Ultimately, EMTs with LVFD transported the female to a local hospital for medical attention. Deputies were called to the hospital after LVFD EMTs located suspected meth in Sarah Hart's possession.

Sarah Hart, 44
MCSO photo: Oct. 2015
Deputies located more than 9 grams (total package weight) of suspected meth in Sarah's purse. After being medically cleared from the hospital she was transported to the Mesa County Detention Facility and booked into jail on charges related to possession of meth and possession of drug paraphernalia. Sara is 44, of Grand Junction.

And, the Western Colorado Drug Task Force arrested Clifton residents, Jesse Salazar, 41 and his wife, Juanita Salazar, 40, yesterday. Deputies were called to their home in the 400 block of Aspen Grove Drive on an unrelated incident. However, a search warrant was ultimately issued for their home and drug task force investigators located methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and a pistol.

Juanita Salazar, 40
MCSO Photo: Oct. 2015
Jesse was previously convicted of a felony, thus he was charged with possession of a deadly weapon during an offense/special circumstances, distribution of meth, possession of meth and possession of drug paraphernalia. Juanita was charged with distribution of meth, possession of meth and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jesse Salazar, 41
MCSO Photo: Oct. 2015
Juanita was released on a $5,000 PR bond today, and Jesse remains in jail on an $11,000 cash only bond.

To view current charges and/or bond amounts on any inmate currently in our facility, visit our Inmate Inquiry System website.


Monday, October 19, 2015

West Salt Creek Landslide Reminder


Weekend Arrests Include Sex Offenders

Daniel Lee Hoard

Mesa County, Colo. - Daniel Lee Hoard, 39, of Olathe was arrested the morning of October 15 at 775 23 1/2 Road. Neighbors surrounding the address came to see what was happening after witnessing multiple patrol cars at the address. Hoard was arrested on multiple warrants related to failing to register as a sex offender, theft, and multiple traffic infractions. Hoard has since been transported to another jurisdiction on these warrants.

 Deputies escorting Hoard to the patrol car after making the arrest.

Phillip James Sears

Phillip James Sears, 31, of Grand Junction was arrested Sunday, October 18 after failing to register as a sex offender at a new residence. A warrant was issued for his arrest and deputies arrested him at 3155 Travee Court, Grand Junction. He remains in jail without bond at this time. Bond updates for any inmate currently in our facility can be found on the Inmate Inquiry System webpage.


Written By Intern Emily







Joint Release: Halloween Safety Tips


Saturday, October 17, 2015

Early Morning Incident In Clifton

Clifton Shooting Incident, Under Investigation

Mesa County, Colo. -- Dispatch received a call around 2:30 a.m., of a shooting incident in the 3200 block of Columba Drive, Clifton. When deputies arrived on-scene no one reported any injuries. 

Residents in the immediate area of the shooting are encouraged to check their property and report any damage to non-emergency dispatch at (970) 242-6707. Anyone with information specific to the shooting and/or shooter(s), should call Inv. Norris at (970) 244-3255.

This case remains active and on-going, with updates provided as they become available.

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Local Law Enforcement Makes Child Sex Enticement Arrests

Local Law Enforcement Makes Arrests in Recent National Child Exploitation Investigation

Last week, the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office and the Grand Junction Police Department, as well as federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in 135 cities across the country, took part in the ninth annual Operation Cross County.  This initiative, spearheaded by the FBI and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, targets the criminals responsible for the sex trafficking of children.

“We’re not playing around. If you’re caught hurting and trafficking our children, we’ll do everything we can with prosecutors to put you behind bars forever and take away your freedom,” says Thomas P. Ravenelle, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Denver Division.  “Thanks to prosecutors, the public gets the message loudly and clearly that trafficking our children won’t be tolerated. The law is going to throw the book at you. Our prosecutors have ensured that traffickers are getting life sentences for their abuse of children.  There is nothing more important to us than protecting children.”

Operation Cross Country is part of the FBI’s Innocence Lost national initiative, which began in 2003. Since the program’s inception, more than 4,800 children have been recovered from underage prostitution and prosecutors have obtained more than 2,000 convictions, including at least 15 that have resulted in life sentences. For additional information on Operation Cross Country IX, and the Innocence Lost initiative, please visit www.fbi.gov

The nationwide operation was conducted locally through the partnership of the Grand Junction Police Department, the Mesa County Sheriff's Office, the FBI, Fruita Police Department, Colorado State Patrol and the 21st Judicial District Attorney's Office, with noteworthy appreciation going to the Western Colorado Drug Task Force and both GJPD and MCSO Street Crimes Units.

Local law enforcement efforts accounted for: 1 recovered runaway juvenile, 5 predator johns arrested on felony charges and one adult arrested on drug related charges.
Christopher Fromm, 33
  • Christopher Fromm, 33, of Grand Junction 
    • Soliciting for Child Prostitution (F3)
    • Patronizing a Prostitute Child (F3)
    • Enticement of a Child (F4)
    • Internet Luring of a Child/Intent of Sexual Contact (F4)
    • Sexual Assault (F4)
      • Released on a $35,000 Cash or Surety Bond

  • Scott Meyers, 25, of Fruita
    • Soliciting for Child Prostitution (F3)
    • Patronizing a Prostitute Child (F3)
    • Enticement of a Child (F4)
    • Internet Luring of a Child/Intent of Sexual Contact (F4)
    • Sexual Assault (F4)
      • Scott Meyers, 25
      • Released on a $10,000 Cash or Surety Bond

  • Richard Medina, 54, of Grand Junction
    • Soliciting for Child Prostitution (F3)
    • Patronizing a Prostitute Child (F3)
    • Enticement of a Child (F3)
    • Internet Luring of a Child/Intent of Sexual Contact (F4)
    • Sexual Assault (F4)
    • Human Trafficking (F2)
    • Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor (F4)
    • Possession with Intent to Distribute a Schedule I/II (Meth) (DF3)
    • Possession of Schedule I/II (Meth) (DF4)
    • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (DPO)
    • Multiple Active Warrants
      • Richard Medina, 54
      • Remains in custody on a $50,500 Cash Only Bond

  • Everett Pollock, 32, of Clifton
    • Soliciting for Child Prostitution (F3)
    • Patronizing a Prostitute Child (F3)
    • Enticement of a Child--Previous Conviction (F3)
    • Internet Luring of a Child/Intent of Sexual Contact (F4)
    • Sexual Assault (F4)
      • Remains in custody on a $15,000 Cash or Surety Bond

  • Rene Johnson, 18, of Fruita
    • Soliciting for Child Prostitution (F3)
    • Patronizing a Prostitute Child (F3)
    • Enticement of a Child (F4)
    • Internet Luring of a Child/Intent of Sexual Contact (F4)
    • Sexual Assault (F4)
    • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (DPO)
      • Bradley Slaughenhoupt, 52
      • Released on a $10,000 PR Bond

  • Bradley Slaughenhoupt, 52, of Grand Junction
    • Possession of Schedule I/II (Meth) (DF4)
      • Released on a $5,000 PR Bond



Everett Pollock, 32
Rene Johnson, 18






      Friday, October 9, 2015

      Sheriff Will Pay Up, Monday

      Sheriff's Office Loses To Dept. of Human Services 

      Time to pay up on a friendly bet

      2015 Men In Heels Team, Mesa County Sheriff's Office

      Mesa County, Colo. -- Mesa County Department of Human Services Executive Director and the Mesa County Sheriff made a friendly bet on their 2015 Men in Heels teams and now it is time to pay up!

      Prior to the 2015 Latimer House, Men in Heels race, MCDHS Executive Director, Tracey Garchar bet Sheriff Matt Lewis that his MCDHS Men in Heels team could beat the Sheriff Office team in a head-to-head race against the clock. MCDHS team was victorious when they ran the first heat against the Sheriff’s Office team during the Men in Heels Race on September 24, 2015.

      Now it is time for Sheriff Matt Lewis to pay up and we are inviting the media to document results of this friendly wager. The check presentation will be on Monday, October 12, 2015, at 1:30 p.m. at Latimer House. Lewis will present Garchar with a check, which will then be donated to Theresa McKenzie on behalf of Latimer House.

      The Latimer House is a counseling, advocacy and shelter for adults and children who are survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.


      Monday, October 5, 2015

      Peeing In Public & Weekend Arrests

      Too Drunk To Find Restroom, Woman Tells Deputy


      Mesa County, Colo. -- Deputies were called to a report of an intoxicated woman walking in the Clifton area, last week. When they located her in the 3200 block of D 7/8ths Road, deputies witnessed her urinating on the side of a house.

      A 51-year-old Clifton woman was issued a ticket to appear in court on a single charge of indecent exposure. She told the deputy she had been at the Triple Tree bar and was walking home when she started to pee her pants. The deputy noted in his report that the crotch area of her pants was wet. The deputy also gave her a courtesy ride home. A booking photo was not taken of the woman for this incident because she was not booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility.

      Weekend Arrests For Drugs & Kidnapping


      Aisha Velasquez, 25
      MCSO Photo: Oct. 2015
      Deputies were dispatched to a vehicle stopped on eastbound Interstate 70, near mile marker 48, in Grand Junction, on Friday night. The vehicle was reported to have the hazard lights flashing and was possibly disabled. The Ford Ranger also matched the description of a recently stolen vehicle.

      The driver and only occupant in the truck was identified as Aisha Velasquez, 25, of Montrose. She admitted to the deputy to having used methamphetamine earlier in the day. the deputy also located three prescription pills inside her purse she did not have a prescription for.

      She was arrested and booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on one count of possession a schedule II drug and one count of possession of a schedule III/IV/V drug. She has since been released from jail on a $5,000 PR bond.

      Brandon Jensen, 29
      MCSO Photo: Oct. 2015
      Deputies responded to 3253 1/2 Collyer Avenue, Clifton, to contact Brandon Jensen, 29, of Clifton, who had two outstanding failure to appear in court warrants from Garfield County. Deputies found Brandon hiding behind a wooden sliding door in a bathroom where they also found a zip lock bag of suspected methamphetamine.

      Total package weight of the suspected meth was over 10 grams. Additional drug paraphernalia, two scales and a second bag of suspected meth were located in the residence area. Total package weight of the second meth baggie was more than 7 grams.

      Additionally, two females were located in the home along with Brandon. Betty Brown, 60, and Tiana Keithley, 29, were arrested on their outstanding warrants and booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility, along with Brandon. Brandon is being held on a $50,000 cash or surety bond, along with an $80,000 cash only bond.

      Richard Martel, 24
      MCSO Photo: Oct. 2015

      On Sunday just before noon, deputies responded to a home on the Redlands for a report of a civil issue. Ultimately, two adults were arrested on suspicion of kidnapping two teenagers and refusing to allow the teen's mother to have them back. A deputy on-scene was also injured in an attack from one of the suspects, which resulted in a broken ankle for the deputy.

      Jordyn Carlile, 21
      MCSO Photo: Oct. 2015
      Jordyn Carlile, 21, of Fruita, was charged with second degree kidnapping and obstruction. Richard Martel, 24, of Grand Junction, was charged with two counts of second degree kidnapping, second degree assault, obstruction and resisting arrest. Jordyn and Richard were booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility and both received a $5,000 PR bond.

      For updated bond information on any inmate currently in our facility, visit our Inmate Inquiry System webpage.


      Friday, October 2, 2015

      **DRILL** on Monday at GJHS

      Reality Based Training For Local Law Enforcement, Monday

      *Enroll your email at: www.MesaCountyJIC.com to recieve updated communication direct in your email box for this drill and any future large scale emergency events.



      Thursday, October 1, 2015

      Man Charged With Child Porn Possession

      Palisade Man Arrested For Possessing Child Pornography

      Stephen Rice, 24, of Palisade
      Sept. 2015 MCSO Photo
      Mesa County, Colo. -- Investigators were tipped off to child pornography possibly being download at a residence on 37 1/4 Road, in Palisade.

      After conducting a forensic investigation on a laptop computer owned and used by Stephen Russell Theodore Rice, 24, of Palisade, investigators determined approximately 19 images depicting children being sexually exploited were on the computer. The lead investigator noted in the arrest warrant that several of those images depicted children 5 years old or younger, based on his 14 years of experience working similar cases.

      A no bond warrant was issued for Stephen, charging one count of sexual exploitation of a child, a class 4 felony. Deputies arrested Stephen without incident yesterday evening and he was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility. Bond updates for any inmate currently in our facility can be found on the Inmate Inquiry System webpage.


      Open Record Reports Now Auto Post To Website

      Daily Reports Now Automated To Website


      Mesa County, Colo. -- The community spoke and the Sheriff's Office has responded. In response to requests to further refine and make consistently available public information being generated inside the Mesa County Sheriff's Office, we are happy to announce a change in our daily reports.

      In the years prior to 2007, daily reports done by deputies and a list of all people booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility was posted in the public lobby. These daily reports were primarily reviewed by local media. Eventually, those reports became automated and sent by email. More recently those same daily reports were published on our agency's website every business day, with each daily report being made available.

      Today, thanks to the work of the Mesa County Information Technology Department, the daily reports publish on our agency's website automatically. With the automated process in place, the reports publish on weekends, holidays and everyday without being subject to staff availability to process and manually post the reports. This efficiency benefits our citizens by providing timely information and a consistent level of service to our community while eliminating staff time associated with these tasks.

      Both reports are published in accordance with Colorado Open Records Act. To view the current reports published and/or save the website for quick reference, click here (and then favorite the page).