Thursday, February 25, 2016

Another SCAM

Warrant SCAM Hitting the Community 

Mesa County, Colo -- The Mesa County Sheriff's Office has received several reports from members of the community that they had been contacted by an individual(s) identifying themselves as employees of a law enforcement agency, and telling people they have an active warrant or an upcoming court appearance. The individual will then request payment to have the warrant or appearance quashed.  The community members contacted are reporting that their caller id is showing a number associated with the Mesa County Sheriff's Office.  

The Mesa County Sheriff"s Office WILL Not call and advise you of a warrant or of an upcoming appearance. If you are contacted do not provide any personal information or money over the phone, it is a SCAM.  

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

SVP Community Notification - Privette

Sexually Violent Predator Moves Into County

Willie Lee Privette, 35
MCSO Photo: 02/09/16
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 from a former address within the city limits of Grand Junction, to a county location. 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 branded by the Colorado Sex Offender Management Board, who classifies a convicted sex offender with this additional descriptor. Willie Privette, 35, 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, who continues to supervise Willie Privette (as he remains a parolee at this time). Willie Privette registered with the Mesa County Sheriff's Office on  Tuesday, February 9, 2016. He listed his new residence effective the same day, with our agency, per compliance with registration laws. Willie Privette 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 http://www.mesacountyunifiedsexoffenderregistry.org, 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 Jennifer Jenkel 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 absolutely 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.


Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Kidnapping and Sexual Assault Charges for Gateway Man

Gateway Man Arrested on Kidnapping and Sexual Assault Charges

Claude Wilkerson
MCSO Photo: 02/21/16
Mesa County, Colo -- On Sunday, February 21, 2016, Mesa County Deputies arrested Claude Wilkerson, 61, at 451 Foy Road, Gateway. An arrest warrant had been issued for Wilkerson, alleging he committed the crimes of First Degree Kidnapping, a class 2 felony, Sexual Assault, a class 3 felony, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, a class 4 felony, False Imprisonment, a class 5 felony, and Harboring a Minor, a class 2 misdemeanor.   

Wilkerson is being held at the Mesa County Detention Facility on a $1,000,000.00 bond.     

If anyone has any information about Wilkerson or this case, please contact Investigator Danny Norris at (970) 244-3255.

For updated bond amounts on any inmate currently in our jail, visit our

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Adult Charges on Austin Holzer

Adult Charges for Austin Holzer

Mesa County, Colo -- As a result of the investigation by the 21st Judicial District Critical Incident Review Team, the juvenile charges filed against Austin Holzer are being dismissed by the District Attorney's Office, and Holzer was arrested on the following charges as an adult:
1. Murder in the 1st Degree of a Peace Officer (1 felony), in violation of CRS 18-3-102 and 18-3-107
2. 1st Degree Assault (3 Felony) in violation of CRS 18-3-202 (3 counts)
3. 1st Degree Criminal Trespass (5 felony) in violation of CRS 18-4-502 (1 count)
4. Tampering with Evidence (6 felony) in violation of CRS 18-8-610
5. Failure to register as a sex offender (6 felony) in violation of CRS 18-3-412.5 (1 count)
6. Defacing a Firearm (2 misdemeanor) in violation of CRS 18-12-104 (1 count)
7. Possession of a defaced firearm (1 misdemeanor) in violation of CRS 18-12-103
8. Theft (2M) in violation of CRS 18-4-401 (3 counts)
9. Possession of a handgun by a juvenile (2 misdemeanor) in violation of CRS 18-12-108.5
10. Unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon (2 misdemeanor) in violation of CRS 18-12-105
11. Direct File, CRS 19-2-517 (l)(a)(I) Juvenile is 16 years of age or older at the time of the commission of the alleged offense, and is alleged to have committed a class 1 felony
Copy and paste the following address to read the arrest affidavit: 

http://grandjunctionpolicedepartment.com/2016/02/16/updated-arrest-information-for-suspect-in-fatal-shooting-of-mcso-deputy/


Friday, February 12, 2016

Community Plan For Deputy Geer Memorial Service

UPDATE TO PROCESSIONAL ROUTE

Community Plan for Deputy Geer’s Memorial Service

Mesa County, Colo --   UPDATE: 02/12/16 -5:00 pm,  PROCESSION ROUTE CHANGE:
There has been a change in the route the funeral procession will take from Canyon View Vineyard Church to Orchard Mesa Municipal Cemetery.  The procession will travel south on 24 1/2 Road to G Road, west on G Road to 24 Road, south on 24 Road; remain on 24 Road to the River Road turnoff (just south of the Hwy 6&50 overpass), continue east on River Road and merge onto Riverside Parkway, east on Riverside Parkway to the Hwy 50 South turnoff, south on Highway 50 to 26 ¼ Road and the cemetery entrance.  

For citizens planning on honoring Deputy Geer during the procession we recommend near Canyon View Park (24 Road and G Road) or on Riverside Parkway. 

We apologize for the confusion and inconvenience.  

The processional from the mortuary (Callahan-Edfast, 2515 Patterson Road) is scheduled to begin at 11:00am.  The public is encouraged to show their support by lining the route, which will be west on Patterson Road to 24 ½ Road, then north on 24 ½ Road to Canyon View Vineyard Church at 736 24 ½ Road.  PLEASE NOTE: this route will be for pedestrian traffic only.  Please DO NOT park your vehicles on the shoulders of the road along the route.  The entire route will be lined with law enforcement vehicles.
The memorial service will take place at Canyon View Vineyard Church, 736 24 ½ Road, and is scheduled to begin at 1:00pm. PLEASE NOTE: 24 ½ Rd from G Road to H Road will be CLOSED from 8am – 4pm to accommodate for traffic during the memorial service.  Due to the overwhelming response anticipated, we have partnered with local churches and businesses, who have offered to live stream the service at their location.  Although we know the community wants to show support for the family and law enforcement, please consider going to one of these alternative locations to view the service:
Victory Life – 2066 Highway 6 and 50
First Presbyterian – 3940 27 ½ Road
Clifton Christian – 615 I70 Business Loop
Fellowship Church – 765 24 Road
American Lutheran Church – 631 26 ½ Road
Colorado Mesa University (Robinson Theatre) – 1100 North Avenue
The live stream will be web-based, so will be accessible to anyone with an internet connection:
www.kkco11news.com/livestream
www.kjct8.com/livestream
If you do chose to go to Canyon View Vineyard Church, please note that the parking lots at the church will be reserved for family and local law enforcement only.  All other vehicles will need to park in and around Canyon View Park or at Caprock Academy.  Shuttle service will be provided to transport people from the park to the church.
Following the services at Canyon View Vineyard Church, a processional will take place from the church to the cemetery, Orchard Mesa Municipal Cemetery, 2620 Legacy Way.  The processional will leave the church, traveling south on 24 ½ Road to G Road, east on G Road to 25 Road, south on 25 Road to Riverside Parkway, east on Riverside Parkway to Highway 50, and south on Highway 50 to 26 ¼ Road.  At that point, anyone who is not family or local public safety personnel is asked to continue south on Highway 50.  The family has requested that the interment be private.  Please respect their wishes.

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

A Message from Sheriff Lewis

An Important Message from Sheriff Lewis

Mesa County, Colo -- It is with tremendous sadness that I announce the passing of Deputy Derek Geer. Deputy Geer has been removed from life-support after completing a last selfless act of organ donation.

Funeral services will be held at Canyon View Vineyard Church, located at 736 24 1/2 Road, on Monday, February 15th at 1:00 PM.

On behalf of Deputy Geer's family and the Mesa County Sheriff's Office, words can not adequately express our gratitude for the outpouring of support and compassion from our community during this most difficult time.  The support we have and continue to receive are allowing us to grieve and begin to heal. 


Funeral Arrangements for Deputy Geer

Funeral Arrangements For Deputy Derek Geer

Mesa County, Colo -- Even as we await the process of Deputy Geer's organs being harvested for donation, it's necessary that we begin planning the logistics of his memorial services. While it seems contrary to move forward with these plans while Derek is still on life support, we know that it's inevitable that life sustaining measures will soon cease, and the celebration of his life will follow. We anticipate a large turnout of support to honor Derek, and therefore want to provide this information to the public as soon as possible.

Services for Deputy Geer will be held at Canyon View Vineyard Church, located at 736 24 1/2 Road, on Monday, February 15, at 1:00 pm. Interment will follow at the Orchard Mesa Municipal Cemetery at 2620 Legacy Way.

More specific details regarding the funeral processional route and specific plans for media will follow as they unfold. Our intention is to be as transparent as we can be as we move forward. We thank you for your patience and understanding.  

Suspect Identified in Deputy Geer Shooting

Suspect in the Shooting of Deputy Derek Geer Identified

Austin Patrick Holzer, 17
MCSO Photo: 04/17/15
MESA COUNTY, COLO -- The 21st Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) has released the identity of the suspect in the shooting of Mesa County Sheriff's Office Deputy Derek Geer on February 8, 2016.

Austin Patrick Holzer, age 17, of Grand Junction, Colorado, was located and taken into custody shortly after the assault, after initially fleeing the scene. Holzer has been charged with Attempted 2nd Degree Murder and Possession of a Weapon by a Previous Offender.

The formal investigation of this incident has been turned over to the Critical Incident Response Team. CIRT is currently seeking cooperation from the public in this investigation. If you know anything about Austin Holzer, or this incident, you are encouraged to call the CIRT Witness Tip line, at (970)244-3526. Please leave your name and phone number, and an investigator will contact you.   

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

CIRT Seeks Information

21st Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team Seeking Information


Mesa County, Colo -- In relation to the events of yesterday, culminating in the shooting of a Mesa County Sheriff’s Office deputy, the 21st Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) has been activated. CIRT is an investigative body comprised of representatives from local law enforcement, the District Attorney’s Office, and other criminal justice partners. CIRT has activated a witness tip line, and is asking anyone with any information regarding this case to call (970)244-3526.  Please leave your name and number, and an investigator will contact you.  We thank you in advance for partnering with us in this investigation.

Monday, February 8, 2016

MCSO Deputy Shot, Suspect in Custody #MCSOOIT


Deputy Derek Geer
MCSO Photo
MESA COUNTY, COLORADO - UPDATE: 02/09/16, 3:50 pm

A Message from the Geer Family 

"Our hearts are broken, as we begin the process of grieving the tremendous loss of Derek, our husband, father, son, and friend.  The love and support that has been poured out to our family over the last 24 hours is humbling; the gratitude for Derek’s sacrifice and the compassion from this community is a reminder of the good in this world.  As a family, we need to wrap our arms around one another and try to find ways to begin to heal.  We thank you in advance for allowing us privacy while we grieve." - Kate Geer
Any media inquiries related to Derek’s family should be directed to our representative through the Mesa County Sheriff’s Public Information Office, Shawn Montgomery, at shawnm@gjcity.org or by phone/text(970)260-3708.

UPDATE:  02/09/16, 11:00 am 

It is important that we provide the most accurate information on the condition of Deputy Derek Geer and to clarify any misconceptions that have been published.

Unfortunately, Deputy Geer's condition has not improved.  He is on life-support so he can perform one last selfless act of service by donating his organs.

We anticipate this process to occur within the next 48 hours, after which time all life sustaining measures will cease.

We will continue to provide updates as they become available.

UPDATE: Summary of Sheriff Lewis Press Conference.   At 11:06 am, deputies with the Mesa County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to the 500 Block of Fruitvale Court on a report of a suspicious male with a gun. The male was seen walking south, crossing I-70 Business Loop and the railroad tracks south of the roadway.  A description of the suspicious male was aired and Deputy Derek Geer contacted a male matching the description near E Road and 30 1/2 Road.

After a short interaction, in which Deputy Geer told the suspect he was being detained as part of the weapons investigation, the suspect attempted to flee.  Deputy Geer deployed his taser.  The suspect then fired several rounds at Deputy Geer, striking him multiple times.  The suspect then fled the scene on foot.

Other deputies, responding to the initial call, arrived and found Deputy Geer unresponsive.  At 11:17 am, the deputies notified dispatch of an "officer down." Deputy Geer was transported to St. Mary's Hospital with life threatening injuries where he remains at this time.

Law enforcement officers from every agency on the valley responded to the area to assist in the search for the suspect.  At 12:04 pm, the suspect, a 17 year old white male, was taken into custody. Charges are pending.

The investigation into the incident has been turned over to the 21st Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team.

Deputy Geer is a Navy veteran and has been employed with the Mesa County Sheriff's Office since October 2001.  He is a husband and father of two children, 13 and 11.

The press conference that took place earlier this evening with Sheriff Matt Lewis can be found on our YouTube channel at this address: https://youtu.be/EcCXXTNPIgs.  You may need to copy and paste into your browser.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Geer and his family during this tragic time.

As further information becomes available it will be released at www.MCSONews.com. All media inquires should be directed to Sgt. Henry Stoffel, (970) 244-3929

  

UPDATE: Sheriff Lewis will be holding a press conference in the MCSO lobby at 6:30 pm.  The doors will open around 6:15 pm.  The press conference will be video recorded and later posted on our social media sites.

Shortly after 11:00 am, deputies with the Mesa County Sheriff's Office responded to the 500 Block of Fruitvale Court on a report of a man with a gun. Upon contact with the suspect, one deputy was shot. The deputy was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries. The suspect fled the scene, but was located and placed into custody. Area schools were placed into lock down but law enforcement and the school district are working together to release from lock down as soon as possible. More information will be released as it becomes available.

Thursday, February 4, 2016

SWAT Activated

MCSO SWAT Operation, Orchard Ave/29 RD


Dustin Nunn, 30
Photo MCSO: 02/05/16
UPDATE: 02/05/16, 2:30 pm - Dustin Nunn, was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on additional charges after the standoff with the Mesa County Sheriff's Office and Grand Junction Police Department SWAT Teams yesterday.

The additional charges are Parole Violation, 2nd Degree Burglary, Possession of a Schedule II Drug, Criminal Mischief  $1000.00 to $5000.00, Resisting Arrest, Obstructing a Peace Officer, Violation of a Protection Order and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Nunn will remain at the Mesa County Detention Facility on a hold.

UPDATE: 02/05/16, 1:55 am - SWAT operation concluded. Dustin Nunn, 30, of Grand Junction taken into custody.

The Mesa County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team is currently conducting an operation at 2876 Orchard Avenue.  They are executing a search warrant in an attempt to arrest an individual who is wanted as a parole absconder and active warrants. 

Further information will be provided as it becomes available. 

Investigation Complete

Victor Green Investigation Completed

Victor Green,  30
MCSO Photo: 071715
Mesa County, Colo -- Mesa County Sheriff's Office Investigators have completed their investigation into the events that led to the injuries of Victor Green, 30, of Fruita.  Green was found hanging in his single cell on January 23, 2016 at 11:00 am by Mesa County Sheriff's Office Detention Deputies and transported to the St. Mary's Hospital for treatment. 

Green has been an inmate at the Mesa County Detention Facility since January 2015. Green was booked into the facility after he was arrested by the Grand Junction Police Department for Criminal Attempt of First Degree Murder, 1st Degree Assault, 2nd Degree Assault and several other lesser charges.

On January 23, 2016, Green was housed alone in a single cell. During a routine cell check, deputies found an unresponsive Green hanging. The deputies immediately requested a nurse, an ambulance and began lifesaving measures. The Grand Junction Fire Department responded and transported Green to St. Mary's Hospital.

The investigation indicated the injuries suffered by Green were self-inflicted. Green remains at St. Mary's Hospital and is no longer in the custody of the Mesa County Sheriff's Office.

Our thoughts remain with the family of Victor Green during this very difficult time.  

Impersonator Makes Traffic Stop

Law Enforcement Impersonator In the Grand Valley Area

Mesa County, Colo -- On February 3, 2016, at 12:40 am, the Mesa County Sheriff's Office received a report of an individual impersonating a law enforcement officer making a traffic stop near I-70 Business Loop and 31 1/2 Road.   
                 
The reporting person said a small black car, possibly a Dodge Dart with blacked out windows, attempted to drive past their car, then pulled behind them and displayed "police lights." The driver stopped and they along with their passenger were contacted by a white male (possibly with a beard), in his early 20s, approximately 6 feet tall with a stocky build.  The impersonator asked to see documentation and after a short conversation, he returned to his car and left. 

This contact was made by someone other than a law enforcement officer and this is the only report the Mesa County Sheriff's Office has received at this point.  

The community’s safety is paramount and this type of event is a rarity.  Agencies in the Grand Valley do utilize unmarked vehicles.  But, if you believe you are being contacted by someone who is not a law enforcement officer, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. 

- Call 911 and let them know who you are, where you are and ask if the person that is contacting you is a true law enforcement officer, or  
- If you are close to law enforcement agency, drive there, or
- Stop in a well-lit area with others around

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

"Hash Oil" Leads To Arrest

Manufacturing "Hash Oil" Leads to Charges Against Clifton Man


Joseph Murray, 36
MCSO Photo: 020216
Mesa County, Colo -- Manufacturing and using marijuana concentrate has become very popular over the past couple of years. Unfortunately, 36 year old Joseph Murray, of Clifton, found out manufacturing the concentrate in your home and in front of children is illegal. 

On February 1, 2016, Mesa County Deputies were dispatched to a disturbance at 3225 Rood Avenue, #4, for a report of a man at the residence yelling at children. Deputies contacted Murray who was providing care for three small children.  

While checking on the welfare of the children, deputies discovered evidence of the manufacturing of marijuana concentrate.  The concentrate, known by the street names of "Hash Oil", "BHO" "Shatter" "Wax", and "Dab", is a high concentrate of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) which is extracted from plant material containing THC. The processes commonly used to do the extraction can be very dangerous and may cause explosions. 

After completing their investigation, deputies arrested Murray and charged him with Unlicensed Manufacture of Marijuana Concentrate Using Hazardous Substance and three counts of Child Abuse. Murray is currently being held at the Mesa County Detention Facility.      

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