Thursday, June 30, 2016

No fire restrictions for July 4th, but fire still a concern



MESA COUNTY, Colo - The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office and the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit together have determined that current conditions do not warrant implementing fire restrictions, but caution citizens to celebrate the Fourth of July responsibly.

With recent hot and dry weather, there is still a concern for human caused fires during the holiday weekend, especially in lower elevations. Right now in Mesa County fine fuels, such as grass, have already dried and cured for the season and could easily catch and spread wildfire quickly.

“We wish everyone a safe Independence Day. Please be responsible and respectful if you choose to use legal fireworks. Be aware reckless behavior coupled with increased fire danger can lead to tragic and criminal consequences,” said Mesa County Sheriff Matt Lewis. “Be mindful of your surroundings and respectful of others as you enjoy this holiday weekend.”

On July 4th more fires are reported than any other day and fireworks account for more than half of them, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

“As we head into the busy holiday weekend remember to exercise caution and common sense when setting off LEGAL fireworks,” said Grand Junction Fire Chief Ken Watkins.

When using fireworks it is extremely important to stay away from dry grass and wooded areas. Already this fire season we’ve seen about a dozen fires that could have been prevented.

"Spring moisture gave us a lot of seldom seen green around the valley, but that early growth is now dormant, dried and ready to burn. We've already responded to a much higher number of human caused fires that could have been prevented." Chris Joyner, BLM Public Affairs Specialist.



RULES FOR FIREWORKS

• The use of fireworks on federal land is always ILLEGAL

• No one under the age of 16 can purchase fireworks. Colorado law requires adult supervision for persons under 16 years of age to possess or discharge fireworks.

ILLEGAL Fireworks: Any devices or components that, when used or ignited, project or disburse any metal, glass, or brittle plastic fragments are illegal. Cherry bombs, roman candles, firecrackers, bottle rockets, shells and rockets, M-80s and M-100s, and helicopters are all examples of illegal fireworks.

• A good rule of thumb: anything that explodes or leaves the ground is most likely ILLEGAL in Colorado.

LEGAL fireworks include: Cylindrical or cone fountains, wheels and ground spinners, illuminating torches and colored fire, dipped sticks and sparklers, toy propellant or toy smoke devices, trick noise makers and snake or glow worms are all permissible.

FIREWORKS DISPLAYS

•Sunday, July 3rd at Dusk at Snooks Bottom in Fruita

The Fruita Parks and Recreation department will be hosting a fireworks display at dusk on Independence Day eve. The fireworks will be lit at Snooks Bottom. Call (970) 858-0360 for more information

• Monday, July 4th after the GJ Rockies Game at Lincoln Park

Game attendees are invited to stay in the stadium to enjoy the fireworks show, and community members are invited to bring their families and watch the display from Lincoln Park.

20-year-old Fruita man arrested for sex crimes on a child

Dakota Hunter Anderson, 20
MCSO Photo 11-13-15
MESA COUNTY, Colo - A 20-year-old Fruita man is facing felony sex assault charges after allegedly having sex with a 13-year-old.

Mesa County Sheriff's deputies arrested Dakota Hunter Anderson of Fruita Wednesday.

The alleged incident occurred between February 1st and April 14th of 2015. 

After completing an investigation into the allegations and obtaining DNA testing results, investigators obtained an arrest warrant and arrested Anderson at his home.

Anderson is facing charges of Sexual Assault on a Child as Part of a Pattern of Abuse (class 3 Felony) and Sexual Assault on a Child (class 4 Felony).

Anderson was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility and is being held in leu of a $60,000 Bond.

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

If anyone has any information about this crime or any other crimes call the witness Tip Line at (970) 244-3526  or you can call Valley Crime Stoppers at 241-STOP(7867). You can remain anonymous with Crime Stoppers and tips leading to an arrest could be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward.

Monday, June 27, 2016

Clifton man arrested for 45 counts of sex crimes on a child

Raymond Leonard, 77
MCSO Photo 6-26-16
CLIFTON, Colo – A 77-year-old Clifton man is accused of being a habitual sex offender against children.

Mesa County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Raymond Leonard, 77, Saturday after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Leonard is being charged with over 40 sex crimes stemming from alleged incidents involving two children spanning several years.

The older of the two children described the years-long abuse in detail.

The alleged incidents occurred in Clifton between 11/01/10 and 05/31/2016.

Leonard is facing the following charges:
  • 1 count of 2nd Degree Kidnapping, a class 2 Felony
  • 8 counts of Sexual Assault on a Child by One in a Position of Trust as Part of a Pattern of Abuse, a class 3 Felony 
  • 8 counts of Sexual Assault on a Child as Part of a Pattern of Abuse, a class 3 Felony
  • 1 count of Sexual Assault (by Force), a class 3 Felony
  • 1 count of Sexual Assault (Physically Helpless), a class 3 Felony
  • 7 counts of Sexual Assault (Age Difference), a class 4 Felony
  • 2 counts of Unlawful Sexual Contact, a class 4 Felony
  • 8 counts of Habitual Sex Offender Against Children, a sentence enhancement
  • 7 counts of Jessica’s Law, a sentence enhancement
  • 2 counts of Crime of Violence, a sentence enhancement 

Leonard was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility and is being held on a No Bond Hold.

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

Monday, June 20, 2016

Overall Statistics for Country Jam 2016

MESA COUNTY, Colo - The following statistics are from all four days of  Country Jam 2016.

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of Colorado State Liquor Enforcement Officers were out patrolling during the four-day festival and made 182 arrests: 181 summons were issued and 1 in custody for alcohol violations.

A full breakdown of the underage liquor infractions are listed below.

Country Jam Stats                                    2016               2015            2014
Total                                                           182                 238             229                                
                                                              
Minor in Possession/Alcohol Offenses          155                 228               213
Procuring Alcohol to a Minor                         14                    8                 10
Fake ID                                                      10                   11                 12
Assault on a peace officer                             1                     0                   0
Felony Assault                                              0                     0                   1
Disorderly conduct                                        1                    1                     0
Trespass                                                      0                    0                    3
Obstruction                                                   1                     0                   2
Violation of protection order (alcohol)               0                     0                    2
Violation of bail bond condition                       0                     0                   1
Attempt to purchase Alcohol                           2                    1                     0
Providing false info to law enforcement          1                       1                    0
Bringing alcohol onto premises                        0                     1                    0


Mesa County Sheriff's Deputies also made several arrests during the four-day festival. One person was arrested for 2nd degree aggravated motor vehicle theft, vehicular assault while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and assault in the 2nd degree on a police officer.

Four people were arrested on outstanding warrants, one person for obstruction, one for trespass, and one for violation of a protection order and criminal impersonation.

Thursday through Sunday evening Colorado State Patrol made 6 DUI arrests related to Country Jam which is well down from years past.

Three of the DUI arrests were the result of a proactive traffic stop and three were the result of a crash.

No injuries were reported.

All 241 drivers who went through Saturday's night DUI checkpoint were sober resulting in no voluntary roadside maneuvers or arrests.

Lost and found: Many items lost during County Jam have made their way to the Mesa County Sheriff's Office. We are sorting through in hope of reuniting them with their owners.

If you have lost something during the festival you may contact the Sheriff's Office NEXT WEEK. We will then be able to try and help locate your missing item (if we have it.)

We will be keeping stuff for 3 months.

Country Jam Statistics for Sunday, June 19th

MESA COUNTY, Colo - The following statistics are from Day 4 of  Country Jam 2016.

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of Colorado State Liquor Enforcement Officers were out patrolling the festival Sunday and made 37 arrests: 37 summons were issued.

A full breakdown of the underage liquor infractions are listed below.

Country Jam Day 4 Stats                          2016            2015            2014
Total                                                           37                 35               34                                  

At Festival                                                                  
Minor in Possession/Alcohol Offenses           16                 9                  22
Procuring Alcohol to a Minor                          4                   0                  4
Fake ID                                                       1                   0                  0
Disorderly conduct                                        1                   0                  0
Attempt to purchase Alcohol                          1                   1                  0

At Campground:
Minor in Possession/Alcohol Offenses           18                 15                 7
Procuring Alcohol to a Minor                          1                   0                  0
Fake ID                                                       1                    0                  3
False reporting                                              1                    0                  0
Obstructing a peace officer                            1                   0                  0


Sunday, June 19, 2016

Country Jam statistics for Saturday, June 18

MESA COUNTY, Colo - The following statistics are from Day 3 of  Country Jam 2016.

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of Colorado State Liquor Enforcement Officers were out patrolling the festival Saturday and made 42 arrests: 42 summons were issued.

A full breakdown of the underage liquor infractions are listed below.

Country Jam Day 3 Stats                          2016            2015            2014
Total                                                           42                 69               66                                  

At Festival                                                                  
Minor in Possession/Alcohol Offenses           15                  28                40
Procuring Alcohol to a Minor                           3                   1                  1
Fake ID                                                        0                   3                  2
Disorderly conduct                                         1                   0                  0
Attempt to purchase Alcohol                           1                   0                  0

At Campground:
Minor in Possession/Alcohol Offenses            17                 41                24
Procuring Alcohol to a Minor                            2                   0                  0
Fake ID                                                         0                  1                  1

At Parking lot:
Minor in Possession/Alcohol Offenses               3                  n/a               n/a
Procuring Alcohol to a Minor                             0                   n/a               n/a
Fake ID                                                          0                  n/a               n/a

We encourage festival goers to have a good time, but be safe and follow the law. Please DON'T DRINK and DRIVE.

Country Jam statistics for Friday, June 17

MESA COUNTY, Colo - The following statistics are from Day 2 of  Country Jam 2016.

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of Colorado State Liquor Enforcement Officers were out patrolling the festival Friday and made 53 arrests: 53 summons were issued.

A full breakdown of the underage liquor infractions are listed below.

Country Jam Day 2 Stats                          2016            2015            2014
Total                                                           53                 62                68                                  

At Festival                                                                  
Minor in Possession/Alcohol Offenses           15                  25                 36
Procuring Alcohol to a Minor                           0                   2                  2
Fake ID                                                         6                   3                  4
Attempt to purchase                                       1                   n/a               n/a
Disorderly conduct                                         3                   n/a               n/a
Assault                                                         0                   0                  1

At Campground:
Minor in Possession/Alcohol Offenses             30                 40                20
Procuring Alcohol to a Minor                            0                   1                  2
Fake ID                                                          6                   1                  1


We encourage festival goers to have a good time, but be safe and follow the law. Please DON'T DRINK and DRIVE.

Friday, June 17, 2016

Country Jam statistics for Thursday, June 16

MESA COUNTY, Colo - The following statistics are from Day 1 of  Country Jam 2016.

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of Colorado State Liquor Enforcement Officers were out patrolling the festival Thursday and made 51 arrests: 50 summons were issued, 1 in custody.

A full breakdown of the underage liquor infractions are listed below.

Country Jam Day 1 Stats                          2016            2015            2014
Total                                                           51                 66                67                                    

At Festival                                                                  
Minor in Possession/Alcohol Offenses          16                 14                21
Procuring Alcohol to a Minor                         3                   3                  2
Fake ID                                                      0                   2                  1
Other - Assault on peace officer                    1                   0                  0

At Campground:
Minor in Possession/Alcohol Offenses           29                 51                44
Procuring Alcohol to a Minor                          0                   1                  0
Fake ID                                                       2                   0                  1

At Parking lot:
Minor in Possession/Alcohol Offenses            2                  n/a               n/a
Procuring Alcohol to a Minor                          0                  n/a               n/a
Fake ID                                                       0                  n/a               n/a

We encourage festival goers to have a good time, but be safe and follow the law. Please DON'T DRINK and DRIVE.


Tuesday, June 14, 2016

UPDATE: Landslide Response downgraded to Level I


PLATEAU VALLEY, Colo -Recent warm temperatures and lower creek levels have prompted Mesa County to lower the Response Level from Two to One.

The amount of snow left above the West Salt Creek Landslide is no longer at a level where experts feel it necessary for residents to remain on heighten alert.

Plateau Creek is through peak runoff and the level is forecast to continue to drop. It has reached a point experts feel would be able to better absorb a surge of water should one come from the landslide area like it did on May 27, 2016, thus minimizing the impact to surrounding communities.

As of Tuesday, June 14, 2016, GPS monitoring continues to show no movement of the landmass.   

This does NOT mean that the area is safe for people to venture out there and explore. We are encouraging everyone to continue to STAY OUT of the immediate area.

The Landslide itself is on private property and property owned by U.S. Forest Service. It is closed to public because of the DANGER it poses. Trespassing on private property is prohibited.

Salt Creek Road, still remains closed to the public. It is open to local traffic only.

What this means for residents: At Level Two, we asked residents to PREPARE to evacuate should the need arise. At Level One that is no longer necessary. 

Mesa County and all of it's partner agencies will however, continue to stay vigilant and actively monitor conditions.

If conditions change, we will let residents know and upgrade the Response Level accordingly.  

RESPONSE LEVEL I definition: Level I is the least serious level. This level is to direct organizations that have a role in managing incidents related to the landslide to “Get Ready”. At this level technical experts and response organizations will increase vigilance and begin preparing for an emergency response. This response level will not likely be visible to residents.

RESPONSE LEVEL II definition: Level II is more serious than Level I but not as serious as Level III. Level II signifies that water-related and/or landslide events have occurred that may become life threatening. At this level, response organizations will “Get Set” to respond and residents should prepare or “Get Set” to leave. At this response level, residents should expect:
  • Prepositioning of emergency response equipment
  • Notification via reverse 911 directing you to STAND BY AND PREPARE TO LEAVE.
  • Flash Flood Watch issued by the National Weather Service 
  • News Coverage of emergency conditions 
  • Resources (i.e. sandbags) available to community 
RESPONSE LEVEL III definition: Level III indicates that an extremely serious situation exists. Major life-threatening releases from the lake formed by the landslide are occurring and/or the physical condition of the landslide deposit has deteriorated to such a point that failure is likely or occurring. At this level, - 2 - response agencies will be responding (“GO!!). At this response level, residents should expect:
  • Direction to evacuate and move to higher ground 
  • Flash Flood Warning issued by the National Weather Service 
  • Notification to evacuate via reverse 911
  • Activation of NOAA weather radios 
  • Television and radio override with Flash Flood Warning

Saturday, June 11, 2016

SVP Community Notification - Privette

Sexually Violent Predator Moves Into County

Willie Lee Privette, 36
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, 36, 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 and listed his new residence 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 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, June 7, 2016

Two Californians arrested for trafficking drugs through Mesa County

 22lbs of cocaine seized 
MESA COUNTY, Colo - On June 2nd, members of the Western Colorado Drug Task Force Unit seized over 22 pounds of cocaine from a vehicle traveling through Mesa County.

Zulma Yaneth Romero, 44, of San Diego, CA was stopped around 4:30 p.m. while driving on I-70 near mile post 11.

Romero stated she was traveling to Denver with two family members in the car, ages 13, and 18.

Zulma Yaneth Romero, 44
MCSO Photo 6-3-16


After consenting to a search of her vehicle, members of the Western Colorado Drug Task Force found a compartment containing illegal drugs underneath the back seat.

A total of 9 packages of cocaine, weighing 22.8 pounds, were seized.

The 18-year-old in the car was later identified as Oscar Alexis Vazquez Navarro, no relation to Romero.

Oscar Alexis Vazquez Navarro,18
MCSO Photo 6-3-16
Romero later stated to deputies Vazquez Navarro was in charge of calling the main person in charge and was along for the ride to make sure she didn't tip off police.

Both Romero and Vazquez Navarro were booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on Drug Felony 1 charges that include distribution/possession as well as importing a schedule I/II drug into Colorado.

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


Five hikers safe after getting lost in Rattlesnake Canyon


Boat team member pulling 
in to shore to pick up members
Helicopter dropping off 2
 of the remaining 5 missing hikers
MESA COUNTY, Colo – At 5:14 p.m. Tuesday May 31st, 2016 Mesa County Search and Rescue team responded to a 911 call concerning a group of lost hikers.

The group of 2 adults and three teens were hiking near Rattlesnake Arch and ran out of water.

They left Pollock Bench trailhead the night before for an overnight hike and became lost on their return.

The Mesa County Search and Rescue Ground Team was able find them about a half a mile away from the river.

Ground Team members 
waiting to board the boat
With the help of a helicopter and boat, all five hikers were returned safely.

No one was injured.

With summer temperatures upon us, please take EXTRA precautions when enjoying the outdoors. 

Hikers can lose one or two quarts (liters) of water per hour. Strenuous hiking in hot weather can more than double that amount!! 

Helicopter crew headed home 
after successfully rescuing all 5 hikers
Plan your route ahead of time, and make sure someone not in your hiking party knows your plan and expected time of return. 

You can't always depend on your cell phone! It may run out of battery or you may find yourself in an area with no cell or GPS coverage.

Also don't forget to take your CORSAR card! Click here to get yours today! It helps us help you!!