Monday, November 30, 2015

Recent Meth Arrests, Separate Incidents

Seven Pounds Of Meth Recovered In One Arrest, Separate Arrest Nets More Than Eight Grams


Irvin Torres, 25
MCSO PHOTO: Nov. 2015
Mesa County, Colo. -- Friday afternoon, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 70 eastbound near mile marker 15 (Loma area). In the spare tire of the vehicle, deputies located 7 pounds of methamphetamine which has a distribution value of about $90,000 and a street value upwards of half a million dollars.

The driver of the vehicle Manuel Campos, 30, and the passenger, Irvin Torres, 25, are both from Los Angeles. They were booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on one count each of felony possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and special circumstances importing methamphetamine.

Manuel Campos, 30
MCSO PHOTO: Nov. 2015
Manuel and Irvin are each being held in jail on a $50,000 cash only bond, with their next court appearance scheduled for December 4, 2015, at 8 a.m.

Yesterday evening, patrol deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of 29 1/2 Road and Orchard Ave., Grand Junction, after deputies witnessed the driver of a vehicle drive up onto the sidewalk in an unsafe manner. John Bruno, 37, of Centennial was the driver of the vehicle and Sean Alexander, 41, of Grand Junction was the passenger.

John was arrested and booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on charges related to careless driving, driving the vehicle on the sidewalk, possession of a weapon by a previous offender, no insurance and improperly displayed license plate. John is a convicted felon from a 1997 case and therefor is not allowed to have any firearms, and yet he claimed ownership of a muzzleloader and accessories he said, he recently purchased.

Sean was arrested and booked into the jail on one count each of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia after more than 8 grams of packaged suspected meth was found in his coat.

John received a $5,000 PR bond and Sean received a $1,000 PR bond. Both men are scheduled to appear in court next on December 8, 2015, at 8:30 a.m. Their booking photos are not currently in the system but will be updated here when they do become available.

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

Monday, November 23, 2015

SARC Open For New Members

Search & Rescue currently accepting applications


Mesa County, Colorado—The Mesa County Search and Rescue Ground Team is currently accepting applications for four new members (they are limiting the number of new members, at this time). All prospective members must first complete an application. Applications can be picked up at the front counter of the Sheriff’s Office during business hours or printed off our website.

Please note, anyone interested in becoming a new member must pass a background check and will have to go through an interview process. The deadline for turning in applications is Thursday, December 31, 2015.

Completed applications can be returned to--


Email Bernice at: Bernice.Stogsdill@mesacounty.us (subject line: SARC Application)

or, dropped off at the front counter of the Sheriff's Office, Attention: Bernice
The front counter at the Sheriff's Office is open Monday through Friday (holidays excluded), from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., located at 215 Rice Street, Grand Junction;

or, snail mail your completed application to:
Mesa County Sheriff's Office
Attn: Bernice
215 Rice Street
Grand Junction, CO 81501
(Make sure we receive it by Dec. 31st)

Prospective members should be outdoor enthusiasts with a high level of physical fitness and have the ability and willingness to walk many miles through rugged terrain while carrying a heavy pack.

For more information, questions or inquiries, please contact Doug Sieckert by calling (970) 234-0763 or email: dls63@yahoo.com.

Friday, November 20, 2015

Two Arrested Off Greyhound Bus, Cocaine & Heroin

Drug Task Force Arrests Two From Bus For Drugs, Yesterday


Kerstin Nguyen, 22
MCSO PHOTO: Nov. 2015
Mesa County, Colo. -- In the early afternoon yesterday, investigators with the Western Colorado Drug Task Force using a trained K-9, in the detection of drugs, to inspect luggage from a Greyhound bus at the downtown Grand Junction  bus station. The bus originated in Los Angeles with a final destination of Chicago.

Two adults were arrested on charges stemming from a kilo of cocaine and 8 ounces of heroin, found in luggage corresponding with two passengers from the bus.

Kerstin Nguyen, 22 and Eric Johnson, 33, both of Michigan, were arrested and booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on three felony charges related to distribution amounts of cocaine and heroin. In addition, Kerstin was charged with first degree introduction of contraband into the jail, after heroin was located inside her bra during the booking process.
Eric Johnson, 33
MCSO PHOTO: Nov. 2015

Bond amounts for both will likely be set by a Judge today, visit our Inmate Inquiry System webpage for updated information on any inmate currently in our facility. A booking photo of Eric is not available at this time, but it will be posted here when it does become available.

The Western Colorado Drug Task Force is a partnership established in the early 1980’s between the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration, the Grand Junction Police Department and the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office. The Task Force is designed to fight the battles of drugs on the frontlines and other crimes that go with dealing and using drugs. Grand Junction Police Chief John Camper and Mesa County Sheriff Matt Lewis agre this Task Force is effective and nationally competitive in the law enforcement field when it comes to knowledge, experience and teamwork. The Drug Task Force provides a refined level of service to the law abiding citizens of Mesa County and across the Western Slope.

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Two Arrested For Making Themselves Too Much At Home

Deputies Arrest Two, Meth & Trespassing

Joshua Melton, 31
MCSO PHOTO: Nov. 2015
Mesa County, Colo. -- The owner of a mobile home listed for sale requested deputies to the 2900 block of North Avenue, Grand Junction, yesterday after finding people living in the home without permission. Deputies located two adults inside the trailer, along with needles and methamphetamine in the bathroom.

Danielle Adams, 24
MCSO PHOTO: 2013
Joshua Melton, 31, and Danielle Adams, 24, both of Grand Junction were arrested without incident and booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility. They were booked on charges of first degree criminal trespass, possession of meth and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Joshua and Danielle remain in jail awaiting a bond to be set. Bond updates can be found on our Inmate Inquiry System webpage for any inmate currently in our facility.

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Felony Menacing With AK-47, Meth

Man Arrested For Confronting Resident With Assault Rifle


Nicholas Ortiz, 28
MCSO PHOTO: Nov. 2015
Mesa County, Colo. -- Recently, deputies were called to the 3400 block of F Road, Mesa County, for a felony menacing. The residents of the home had been confronted by a man they knew to be Nicholas Ortiz, 28, of Palisade, who had in his hands a loaded AK-47 rifle.

Deputies located Nicholas and the loaded rifle, along with a small baggie of methamphetamine and a glass pipe, commonly used for smoking meth. Nicholas was arrested without incident and booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on felony charges related to the rifle, drugs and paraphernalia. He has received a $25,000 cash only bond and remains in jail, at this time.

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

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Two Arrested For Meth, Prescription Pills & More

Patrol Arrested Two Women On Drug Charges, Yesterday


Karly Ogburn, 19
MCSO PHOTO: Nov. 2015
Mesa County, Colo. -- Deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of 30 Road and Texas Avenue, Grand Junction, yesterday. Ultimately two adult women were arrested and booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on drug related charges.

Tiera Miracle, 25, provided deputies with a fake name initially which resulted in a felony charge of criminal impersonation. Hydrocodone prescription pills, along with total package weight of 6.2 grams of meth were located in Tiera's purse. In addition to criminal impersonation, she was also charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, first degree possession of contraband, and she had an active failure to appear warrant out for her arrest.

Tiera Miracle, 25, Mesa County
MCSO PHOTO: Nov. 2015
Karly Ogburn, 19, of Clifton, was the driver of the vehicle stopped by deputies. More than 4 grams of total packaged weight of suspected meth was located in the vehicle she was driving, without a valid driver's license. Karly was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on charges related to possession of meth, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving with a denied license.

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

Monday, November 16, 2015

Weekend Arrests Include High Speed Driving and Cheese Crackers

Meth, DUIs, Speeding & More...Wrap-up Weekend Arrests

By Emily White, Intern

Roddy Jose Archuleta, 53
MCSO PHOTO: Nov. 2015
On November 14, 2015 Roddy Jose Archuleta, 53, was arrested in Grand Junction after a traffic stop was conducted. Roddy was booked on charges of: DUI with 3 or more prior convictions, aggravated driving with revoked license, failure to provide insurance, speeding, weaving, and defective brake lights. The deputy reported that during the traffic stop, Roddy had shoved a handful of cheese crackers in his mouth which resulted in a spray of crackers on the deputy as he talked and answered questions. This brings a whole new meaning to "say it, not spray it."

Tasha Nicole Englehart, 30
MCSO PHOTO: Nov. 2015
Jason Thomas Edward, 28
MCSO PHOTO: Nov. 2015





















On November 15, 2015 Tasha Nicole Englehart, 30, and Jason Thomas Edward, 28 began their night with drinks at Central Station and scored a free ride in a patrol car to end the night. A deputy was dispatched to a vandalism call at Central Station, Grand Junction. A Central Station employee told deputies they had witnessed Tasha break a passenger side rear view mirror off of a vehicle in the bar's parking lot.  Witnesses reported Tasha got in the back seat of a maroon SUV. Tasha and the vehicle driver, left Central Station where a patrol car saw them and was able to follow them a short distance. After conducting a traffic stop, Jason Edward, 28, was arrested for driving under the influence. Tasha was arrested for charges on 2nd degree assault of police officer, criminal mischief, violation of a protection order, and resisting arrest.
Douglas Warren III Good, 19
MCSO PHOTO: Nov. 2015
On November 14, 2015, Douglas Warren III Good, 19, was stopped by a deputy after his vehicle nearly entered the wrong lane of traffic in the 2900 block of North Ave., Grand Junction. During the traffic stop, rolling papers for marijuana were found and a further search was conducted, bringing to light a pipe that tested positive for meth. Douglas was arrested on charges of possession of a schedule II controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving with license under restraint, operator uninsured, and failure to drive in a single lane.



Tyshawn Jasmare Gray, 20
MCSO PHOTO: Nov. 2015


Photo of captured speed by a Deputy. 



















On November 15, 2015, Tyshawn Jasmare Gray, 20, was arrested for speeding over 25-39 mph, driving without a seatbelt, and driving without valid driver's license. The deputy's radar showed a speed of a whopping 102 mph, as the vehicle Tyshawn was driving quickly came up behind the deputy's vehicle on I-70 eastbound between Fruita and Grand Junction. Ultimately, Tyshawn slowed down just before rear ending the deputy's vehicle, but his speed was caught on the patrol car's rear radar none the less.

Shiloe Ryan Pidgeon, 25
MCSO PHOTO: Nov. 2015
On November 13, 2015, deputies responded to a report that several bullet holes had been found inside a home in the 2800 block of G Road, Grand Junction. After further investigation, it was discovered that a gun had been shot from a nearby house during a domestic dispute. After contacting the residents at 196 Glory View Drive, Grand Junction, deputies determined Shiloe Pidgeon, 25, discharged a weapon. Deputies located him on November 15, and arrested him on charges of illegal discharge of a firearm, prohibited use of weapons, violation of a protection order, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief.

Connected to the same investigation, Kathleen Duval, 24, was also arrested for false reporting to authorities, tampering with a witness or victim, and attempt to influence public servant.

For updated bond information on anyone currently in the Mesa County Detention Facility, visit our Inmate Inquiry System webpage.
Kathleen Duval, 24
MCSO PHOTO: Nov. 2015

Friday, November 13, 2015

DUI Arrest Before 8am, Reckless Driving Tipped Off Deputy

Shelly Trent, 48
MCSO PHOTO: Aug. 2014

Deputy Stops Reckless Driver During Morning Rush Hour Traffic


Mesa County, Colo. -- Shelly Trent, 48, of Grand Junction was arrested on a second DUI this morning, in the area of 32 Road and I-70 Business Loop, Clifton. A patrol deputy witnessed her swerving into oncoming traffic, over correcting and hitting the sidewalk, speeding and driving significantly slow, all within a few minutes during morning rush hour traffic.

Through a criminal history check, she was found to have been arrested for a DUI in August 2014, and only had a valid Colorado instruction permit--not a valid driver's license. Shelly had two prescription drugs in her possession at the time of her arrest.

She was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on charges related to driving under the influence, no proof of insurance, speeding and other traffic violations. For updated bond information on any inmate in the Mesa County jail, visit the Inmate Inquiry System webpage.

To report an intoxicated driver in Mesa County, call 242-6707 or *277 from your cell phone.

Man Arrested For Meth Twice In Three Weeks

Michael Krebs, 50
MCSO PHOTO: Oct. 2015

Distribution Amounts Of Meth Associated With Grand Junction Man


Mesa County, Colo. -- Michael Krebs, 50, of Grand Junction, was arrested on an outstanding warrant along with new drug charges on October 22, 2015, by deputies who located him at a gas station in Orchard Mesa. More than 7 grams of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were located in Michael's car and he was the only occupant of the vehicle when deputies contacted and arrested him.

Yesterday afternoon, deputies saw Michael driving his vehicle on the east end of North Avenue, and knew he was restrained from driving for failure to pay child support. Three baggies of suspected methamphetamine were located inside his car, with a total weight of more than 17 grams. Again, no other people were in the car at the time of his arrest.

Michael was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility for the second time in three weeks. Yesterday's booking was on a felony meth distribution charge, possession of drug paraphernalia, careless driving, open container in vehicle and driving with a restrained license. For updated bond information on any inmate currently in our jail facility, visit our Inmate Inquiry System website.

Thursday, November 12, 2015

Wanted Registered Sex Offender Arrested In California

Dustin Leatherman, 32
MCSO Photo: April 2015

Convicted Sex Offender Arrested In California On Mesa County Warrant

Mesa County, Colo. -- Dustin Shane Leatherman, 32, registered as a sex offender with our agency in April 2015 and then missed his September required registration. By missing the recent reporting, he became noncompliant with the stipulations on him because of two felony convictions, attempted sex assault on a child and failure to register as a sex offender. As a result, a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Dustin was located in Southern California on November 11, arrested on the warrant charging him with failure to register as a sex offender and failure to register an address, both are felony charges. He was booked into the Orange County Sheriff's Department Detention Facility, yesterday. He is being held on $100,000.00 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on November 13, 2015. There is currently no information available about extraditing him back to Mesa County.

Nationwide tips about noncompliant registered sex offenders can be submitted to Parents for Megan's Law and Crime Victims Center, who distribute those tips to the appropriate law enforcement agency for investigation. For Mesa County residents to stay informed of registered sex offenders who move or live in our area, register your home address with this website and view current registered offenders.

Special Note: Most sexual assaults perpetrated against both adults and children are committed by someone the victim knows or is familiar with. A stranger does not pose the highest risk to you or your children.

C.R.S. 16-22-112(1) prohibits sex offender registry information to be used to inflict retribution or additional punishment upon the registrant. Vigilantism is illegal and will be charged. Any suspicious behavior, activity or criminal actions suspected or witnessed regarding registered sex offenders should be reported to 911.

The state sex offender registry includes only those persons who have been convicted of certain acts of unlawful sexual behavior since July 1, 1991, and who are in compliance with the sex offender registry as a safeguard against perpetrators of sexual assault on their communities. The crime for which a person is convicted may not accurately reflect the level of risk.

If you have questions about registered offenders with the following local agencies, please do not hesitate to contact the appropriate agency registrar listed below.
  • Mesa County Sheriff's Office, 244-3206
  • Grand Junction Police Department, 549-5234
  • Palisade Police Department, 464-5601
  • Fruita Police Department, 858-8003


Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Monday, November 9, 2015

UPDATE: Missing Grand Junction Man, Located

Family Provided Photo:
Thomas "Duff" Lilly

UPDATE: Missing Man Found Alive

Mesa County, Colo. -- Carbondale Police Department confirmed overnight that Thomas "Duff" Lilly and his vehicle were located safely in Carbondale, Colorado. Duff's family has been notified of his location, and his safety and welfare were verified as of November 10.

Our deepest appreciation to the public and media for their assistance in sharing his photo and information.


Previously Released November 9, 2015...

Mesa County, Colo. -- A missing person report was filed with the Sheriff's Office on October 30, 2015, for Thomas "Duff" Lilly. He was reported missing by family members, and has not been seen or heard from since October 26, 2015.

Duff drives a 1996 dark colored Grand Cherokee with tinted windows and a Colorado license plate of 654CRP. The 53-year-old man has health issues, and anyone who knows his whereabouts or sees him should call 911 or non-emergency dispatch at 242-6707.

Prescribed Burns Happening Through March 2016

Federal Fire Officials Plan Long-Range Prescribed Burning Objective


NEWS RELEASE
November 9, 2015


Grand Junction, Colo. –Federal fire officials from the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit plan to ignite Western Slope prescribed fires through March.

The fires will target slash piles remaining from ongoing fuel reduction, cutting projects.  Officials will ignite fires when conditions meet specific guidelines for safety and smoke dispersion.

“The remaining slash presents a hazard for future wildfires,” said Jeff Phillips, fire management specialist with the Bureau of Land Management. “We’re planning these necessary burns over a long period of time so we can burn when conditions are ideal.”

Phillips says officials will ignite the slash piles three miles east of Palisade and piles 12 miles south of Gateway when conditions in the prescription for the fires are met.

Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health.  For more information see:
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health

For more information on these prescribed fires, contact Jeff Phillips at (970) 244-3000.

BLM Offers $1,000 Reward

BLM offers reward for information leading to conviction


NEWS RELEASE
November 4, 2015
Contact:  Chris Joyner, Public Affairs Specialist, (970) 244-3097

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management is now offering a cash reward for information leading to a conviction of persons responsible for recent vandalism in McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area.

Visitors reported to the BLM Oct. 27, vandalism to the Fruita Paleo area south of Fruita.  Law enforcement officers investigating the federal crime believe the vandalism occurred late Oct. 26 or early Oct. 27.    Federal law enforcement agents are investigating the crime and are offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to a conviction.

Various vulgar images and language appear on the inside and outside of the restroom and on resource objects in the conservation area.

Individuals with information regarding this crime should report that information to the BLM Grand Junction Field Office at 970 244-3000.  

Friday, November 6, 2015

Two Arrested With Meth, Heroin & Prescription Pills

Street Crimes Unit Arrests Two On Drug Charges


Sergio Duarte, 33
MCSO PHOTO: Nov. 2015
Mesa County, Colo. -- On Thursday evening, deputies with the Street Crimes Unit conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with two adults in it. Sergio Duarte, 33, of Grand Junction and Bobbi Gore, 30, of Grand Junction were ultimately arrested on multiple drugs charges. The two were arrested in the 600 block of Lauren Lane, Clifton, where suspected methamphetamine, heroin and hydro-morphine were found inside the vehicle occupied by Sergio and Bobbi.

Bobbi was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on three felony counts of possession of a schedule I/II drug, a felony charge of possession with intent to distribute heroin and possession of a drug paraphenalia. Sergio was booked into the jail on two felony counts of possession of a schedule I/II drug, felony possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia and four various charges related to traffic infractions.
Bobbi Gore, 30
MCSO PHOTO: Nov. 2015

Bond updates can be located on our agency's Inmate Inquiry System webpage.

*At this time, a booking photo of Bobbi Gore is not available. This site will be updated with her photo when it becomes available.

Retail Marijuana Arrests By Drug Task Force

Two Arrested On Charges Related To Retail Marijuana Sales, In Palisade


Dean Richardson, 34
MCSO PHOTO: Nov. 2015
Mesa County, Colo. -- Officers with the Western Colorado Drug Task Force executed a search warrant yesterday on an illegal retail marijuana sales operation in a residence on West 5th Street, in Palisade. Two adults were arrested in connection to this illegal retail operation.

Dean Richardson, 34, and Krystal Britton, 34, both of Palisade, we arrested on charges related to unlicensed manufacturing of marijuana concentrate using hazardous substance (related to hash oil production), possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, child abuse related to manufacturing a controlled substance, special circumstance of possessing a firearm and possession of drug paraphernalia. In addition, Dean was charged with possession of weapons by a previous offender because he has a felony conviction from 2003.

Officers located a handgun and a rifle, both fully loaded and operational within reach of the adults and children living in the home.

Krystal Britton, 34
MCSO PHOTO: Nov. 2015
The Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division and the Palisade Police Department, along with the Grand Junction Police Department assisted with this Western Colorado Drug Task Force operation.

To obtain updated bond information on any inmate currently in the Mesa County Detention Facility, visit our Inmate Inquiry System webpage.

The Western Colorado Drug Task Force is a partnership established in the early 1980’s between the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration, the Grand Junction Police Department and the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office. The Task Force is designed to fight the battles of drugs on the frontlines and other crimes that go with dealing and using drugs. Grand Junction Police Chief John Camper and Mesa County Sheriff Matt Lewis agre this Task Force is effective and nationally competitive in the law enforcement field when it comes to knowledge, experience and teamwork. The Drug Task Force provides a refined level of service to the law abiding citizens of Mesa County and across the Western Slope.

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Citizens On Patrol Celebrate 22 Years of Service

Volunteer Group Celebrates 22 Years


Mesa County, Colo. -- Citizens on Patrol or COP for short, is a volunteer group consisting primarily of retired folks. While being retired isn't a qualification to be a COP volunteer, the retired schedule seems to allow them the time and flexibility to assist deputies with serving citizens around the clock through this volunteer capacity.

This is the original COP volunteer group with
former Sheriff Riecke Claussen.

The program developed under the leadership of former Mesa County Sheriff, Riecke Claussen, in the early 1990's. Volunteers serve a number of needs throughout the agency, with the COPs focused on primarily assisting patrol deputies, investigators and the civil unit. These volunteers pass a background check, always work in pairs and are an extension to our commitment to policing.

Today, COP volunteers conduct home checks when residents are out of town, they complete vehicle registrations, tag and mark abandoned vehicles across the County, manage agency runaway cases, man crime scene boundaries, provided extra presence in school zones and high speed areas, and much more.

If you think all the COP volunteers are former law enforcement, you wouldn't be correct. Current COP members have employment backgrounds that range from Pharmacist to educator. What they do all have in common is a passion for law enforcement and assisting our community. If you are interested in becoming a COP volunteer with our agency, contact Lt. Lauri Galvan at 244-3201.

2015 COP volunteers with Sheriff Matt Lewis.

The COPs monthly meeting will host former Sheriff Claussen, on the evening of November 5, along with a small celebration to honor the groups 22 years of service to the agency and Mesa County. The media is invited and encouraged to attend, for details connect with the agency PIO.