Tuesday, August 30, 2016

UPDATE: SVP Community Notification


Daniel Glen Watson, 45
MCSO Photo 
Sexually Violent Predator Changes address in County

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 to a county location. Further details about this offender and his new location, Click here and choose the Daniel Glen Watson Community 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. Daniel Glen Watson, 45, of Mesa County, has served his convicted sentence in the Colorado Department of Corrections prison facilities as ordered by a Judge. Watson registered with the Mesa County Sheriff's Office and listed his new residence with our agency, per compliance with registration laws. Watson remains current with all his registration requirements.

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

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



Monday, August 22, 2016

SVP Community Notification - Watson


Daniel Glen Watson, 45
MCSO Photo 
Sexually Violent Predator Moves Into County

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 to a county location. Further details about this offender and his new location, Click here and choose the Daniel Glen Watson Community 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. Daniel Glen Watson, 45, of Mesa County, has served his convicted sentence in the Colorado Department of Corrections prison facilities as ordered by a Judge. Watson registered with the Mesa County Sheriff's Office and listed his new residence with our agency, per compliance with registration laws. Watson remains current with all his registration requirements.

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

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


Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Spring Creek 2 fire expected to be 100 percent contained tomorrow night

BATTLEMENT MESA, Colo. - The Spring Creek 2 wildfire remains at 90 percent containment. The wildfire is expected to be 100 percent contained by 8:00 p.m. Thursday.

The lightning caused wildfire southeast of Parachute burned 621 acres, 4 out buildings, 3 trailers and 3 vehicles, but no primary residences.

Fire crews worked hard over the past six days to secure fire lines and primary structures in the area.

The Mesa County Sheriff's Office, Garfield County Sheriff's Office, Grand Valley Fire Protection District and the Bureau of Land Management will continue working on hot spots and patrolling the perimeter of the fire.

The public may see smoke and ash rising from the fire area as fuels continue to consume and burnout within the fire perimeter.

For more information, contact Megan Terlecky at (970) 986-0950.

SCAM ALERT UPDATE: More people falling victim to latest phone scam

MESA COUNTY, Colo - The Mesa County Sheriff's Office is getting more reports of people falling victim to a phone scam where the caller is impersonating a deputy who says you will be arrested if you don't pay up.

A person is calling people in the county claiming to be Sergeant Matthew Lewis Jr. with the Mesa County Sheriff's Office. There is no such person.

There are two versions, one the scammer tells the intended victim that they have a warrant for their arrest, the second they are told they missed jury duty and have a summons.

In both cases they are told if they don't take care of the citation over the phone they will come and arrested them.

He tells them they need to get a Green Dot prepaid cash card for $2,000 and then call (970) 433-4196 ext 3 and give them the number on the card.

When you call the number there is a voice recording saying,"You've reached the Mesa County Sheriff's Department..."

The scammer has a lot of details, like asking them to come down to the Sheriff's Office, judges' names, courtroom numbers, citation numbers, even background music to sound convincing, but it is all a FALSE.

THIS IS A SCAM.

The Mesa County Sheriff's Office or the Mesa County court system would NEVER contact you by phone and demand money. Anyone who does have an actual warrant for their arrest would be contacted in person.

Anytime someone calls you and asked to be paid buy a prepaid card that is an indicator it is a SCAM.

Remember it's the Mesa County Sheriff's Office, NOT Department and the phone number is (970) 244-3500.

If ever you are contacted and not sure of the caller's legitimacy ask for their badge number or employee number and call the company or Sheriff's Office yourself. Not the phone number they give you, but the one you look up yourself. The Mesa County Sheriff's Office or any other company the scammer is posing as will be happy to verify the information for you. 

MCSO asks public for help in identifying possible suspect

Surveillance photo
CLIFTON, Colo - The Mesa County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in identifying a person believed to be trying to use counterfeit money.

Just after 6:00 Tuesday morning a female believed to be in her 20s walked into the convenience store at the Bradley Sinclair gas station on the 3200 block of F Road.

Surveillance photo
The person seen in this surveillance photo allegedly attempted to pay with a fraudulent $100 bill.

If anyone knows the identify of the person in the photo or has information about this crime please call the Witness Tip Line (970) 244-3526 or Crime Stoppers at (970) 241-STOP.

Local businesses also need to be on the alert for counterfeit bills.

To learn more about how to protect your business from fake currency click here.

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Spring Creek 2 Fire 90 Percent Contained

BATTLEMENT MESA, Colo. - Wildfire crews reached 90 percent containment today on the lightning caused Spring Creek 2 fire southeast of Parachute.

Crews have been working hard over the past five days to secure fire lines and primary structures in the area. The fire has consumed 621 acres.

“Our crews appreciated the outpouring of support regardless if they came from the Grand Valley, Florida or points between,” said Incident Commander Dave Toelle of West Slope Incident Command Team B. “The community was very generous in their support to our firefighters and that means a lot."

Toelle notes that no primary residences were destroyed even as the fire passed within a few feet of several homes. 

“We’re meeting the objectives given to us and we’re making progress in the rougher country to deal with heat still in the perimeter of the fire,” he said. 

Local agencies and the BLM will continue working on hot spots and patrolling the perimeter of the fire.

The public may see smoke and ash rising from the fire area as fuels continue to consume and burnout within the fire perimeter.

For more information, contact Chris Joyner at (970) 210-2126.

Monday, August 15, 2016

Progress Continues on Spring Creek 2 Fire

BATTLEMENT MESA, Colo. – A second consecutive day of favorable conditions allowed crews on the Spring Creek 2 Fire southeast of Parachute to reach 70 percent containment.

Discovered Friday on private property in Garfield County, the Spring Creek 2 Fire moved rapidly into Mesa County narrowly missing homes in its path. Fire crews were able to save multiple primary residents, but 4 out buildings, 3 trailers and 3 vehicles were destroyed. No new structures are threatened.

The relentless work of wildfire firefighters and Sheriff’s Offices in Garfield and Mesa Counties held the fire at 621 acres and the fire perimeter hasn’t grown in the past 36 hours. Wildfire crews continue to improve and reinforce containment lines.

Access to County Road 306 between Spring Creek and Wallace Creed Roads remains restricted to residents and emergency vehicle traffic only.

Find the Spring Creek 2 Fire on inciweb at: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/

For more information, contact Chris Joyner at (970) 210-2126.

###

Note to Media: News Releases for this fire will be distributed at 7 p.m. daily until fire reaches 100% containment.

SCAM ALERT! Latest phone scam impersonating Sheriff's Office

MESA COUNTY, Colo - The Mesa County Sheriff's Office has gotten several reports of a phone scam where the caller is impersonating a deputy who says you will be arrested if you don't pay up.

A person is calling people in the county claiming to be Sergeant Matthew Lewis Jr. with the Mesa County Sheriff's Office.

He tells the intended victim that they have a warrant for their arrest and if they don't take care of the citation over the phone they will come and arrested them.

He tells them they need to get a Green Dot prepaid cash card for $2,000 and then call (970) 433-4196 ext 3 and give them the number on the card.

When you call the number there is a voice recording saying "You've reached the Mesa County Sheriff's Department..."

The scammer has a lot of details, like judges' names, courtroom numbers, citation numbers, even background music to sound convincing, but it is all a FALSE.

THIS IS A SCAM.

The Mesa County Sheriff's Office would NEVER contact you by phone and demand money. Anyone who does have an actual warrant for their arrest would be contacted in person.

Anytime someone calls you and asked to be paid buy a prepaid card that is an indicator it is a SCAM.

Remember it's the Mesa County Sheriff's Office, NOT Department and the phone number is (970) 244-3500.

If ever you are contacted and not sure of the caller's legitimacy ask for their badge number or employee number and call the company or Sheriff's Office yourself. Not the phone number they give you, but the one you look up yourself. The Mesa County Sheriff's Office or any other company the scammer is posing as will be happy to verify the information for you. 

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Fire teams near Parachute lift evacuation orders – urge caution

BATTLEMENT MESA, Colo. – The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office lifts all evacuation orders at 8 p.m. today associated with the Spring Creek 2 Fire burning southeast of Battlement Mesa.

The lift comes as regional and federal wildfire crews make progress on the fire that originated on private property in Garfield County and moved south and east onto private and BLM managed land in Mesa County. Fire officials remind the public that smoke, ash and dust from the fire may continue to impact the area. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment recommends people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children limit outdoor activity and remain indoors where smoke is thick.

The Spring Creek 2 Fire has burned 621 acres with 40 percent containment. No primary residences have burned but the fire damaged or destroyed 4 out buildings, 3 trailers and 3 vehicles. No new structures are threatened.

Access to County Road 306 between Spring Creek and Wallace Creed Roads is restricted to residents and emergency vehicle traffic only.

For the latest information, images and video find the Spring Creek 2 Fire on inciweb at: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/

Saturday, August 13, 2016

UPDATE: Spring Creek 2 Fire 20% contained

Helicopter working Spring Creek 2 Fire
Photo by GCSO
BATTLEMENT MESA, Colo - After attacking the fire from the air and ground, the Spring Creek 2 Fire is now 20 percent contained.

The wildfire that started Friday afternoon on private property in Garfield County, is now burning in Mesa County and BLM land, a total of 589 acres.

The wildfire is currently being fought with multiple air resources, engines, water tenders and hand crews.

Most of today's efforts were focused on the south end of the wildfire, the most active portion of the fire. All day air drops from multiple air resources where effective in slowing its forward progress.

Sunday, the air drops will continue and ground crews will work to build containment lines to keep the fire from nearby homes.

Fire retardant drop on Spring Creek 2 Fire
Photo by GCSO
A voluntary evacuation order was issued by the Mesa County Sheriff's Office for homes in the Housetop Mesa Estates Subdivision, and areas of Housetop Mountain Road and CR 306.

At 12:30 PM, the Spring Creek 2 Fire burning in unincorporated Mesa County near Battlement Mesa, exceeded 500 acres. This fire is expected to grow with hot and dry weather forecasted.

Residents in this area are asked to evacuate using Wallace Creek Road to County Road 300 toward Battlement Mesa and check in at the evacuation center located at the Grand Valley Fire Station, 124 Stone Quarry Road.

Evacuated residents in need of assistance can call the Red Cross at (970) 242-4851 and press option 1.

Latest Map of Spring Creek 2 Fire
There is no access except for emergency vehicles on County Road 306 between Spring Creek Road and Wallace Creek Road.

Multiple agencies are fighting this fire: Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, Grand Valley Fire Protection District, DeBeque Fire District, Garfield County, Garfield County Sheriff's Office, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Mesa County, and Mesa County Sheriff's Office.

The Spring Creek 2 fire has burned no primary residences, but has burned several structures including 4 out buildings, 3 trailers, and 3 vehicles.

A number of power poles along County Road 306 were burned. Holy Cross Energy Company has restored power to all but one home in the area of Spring Creek Road and Wallace Creek Road.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Voluntary evacuation orders issued for homes near Spring Creek 2 Fire

DC-10 Air Tanker dropping
fire retardant on Spring Creek 2 Fire
Photo by GCSO
BATTLEMENT MESA, Colo - A voluntary evacuation order was issued by the Mesa County Sheriff's Office for homes in the Housetop Mesa Estates Subdivision, and areas of Housetop Mountain Road and CR 306.

At 12:30 PM, the Spring Creek 2 fire burning in unincorporated Mesa County near Battlement Mesa exceeded 500 acres. This fire is expected to grow, posing a risk to life and property.

Afternoon winds may push the fire near homes in the evacuation area.

Residents in this area are asked to evacuate using Wallace Creek Road to County Road 300 toward Battlement Mesa and check in at the evacuation center located at the Grand Valley Fire Station, 124 Stone Quarry Road.

The Red Cross is available to assess needs of evacuated residents.
Latest Map of Spring Creek 2 Fire

The Mesa County Sheriff's Office is going door-to-door to make residences aware of the evacuation notice. A reverse 911 notification also went out the approximately 2 dozen homes affected.

Multiple agencies are fighting this fire: Grand Valley Fire Protection District, DeBeque Fire District, Garfield County, Garfield County Sheriff's Office, Bureau of Land Management, Mesa County, Mesa County Sheriff's Office.

The Spring Creek 2 fire has burned no primary residences, but has burned several structures including 4 out buildings, 3 trailers and 3 vehicles.

Burn area of Spring Creek 2 Fire
Photo by GCSO
A number of power poles along County Road 306 were burned. Holy Cross Energy Company has restored power to homes in the area of Spring Creek Road and Wallace Creek Road.

The fire is currently being fought with multiple air resources, engines and water tenders.

The fire has burned 589 acres total, 205 of those acres are in Mesa County, 350 Garfield County and 34 on BLM land.


Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Crime Stoppers crime of the week

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo - The Grand Junction Police Department needs your help to locate the suspects involved in a theft and burglary.

Sometime between 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 26th and 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 28th, unknown subjects unlawfully entered a Wells Cargo trailer parked inside the Partners’ Western Colorado Conservation Corps property located at 2818 1⁄2 North Avenue. 

Once inside, the suspects removed a two part Dolmar gas and oil can, two orange and white Stihl Chainsaws with 20” bars, each had an engraving, one of “S8” and the other of “S9.” An Ammo toolbox containing spare chainsaw parts was also taken. The total estimated property loss is over $1,800.

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

GJPD# 2016-37518

Monday, August 8, 2016

New must have app for parents: FBI's Child ID App

MESA COUNTY, Colo - These days we keep just about everything in our phones. From social media, the latest news to games, you name it; all of that information is right at our finger tips.

Why not information that can help keep your kids safe?

Thousands of children go missing every year and the FBI has developed an app to help parents keep their kids safe.

The FBI's Child ID app is free and provides a convenient place to electronically store photos and vital information about your children so that it’s all at hand if you need it.
FBI's Child ID App
Screenshot

You can show the pictures and provide physical identifiers like height and weight to security or police officers on the spot. Using a special tab on the app, you can also quickly and easily e-mail the information to authorities with just a few clicks.

Simply download the free FBI mobile application from the App Store on iTunes, add the latest photos of your child, enter key information about him or her, and update it regularly.

FBI's Child ID App
Screenshot
The app also includes safety advice and checklists for parents. 

No information about you or your child will be collected or stored by the FBI or iTunes.

Click here to download. 

Click here to learn more.       

Mack man arrested after mobile home fire

MACK, Colo- Sunday night the Mesa County Sheriff's Office arrested 46-year-old Laurance Tiffin after a his home caught fire, injuring his wife.

At 7:48 Sunday night, Mesa County Sheriff's deputies were called out to Tiffin's residence in Mack to assist with a structure fire.

Investigators determined Tiffin was arguing with his wife when he allegedly poured gasoline inside the home.

His wife attempted to stop him and when they struggled over the gas can gasoline spilled on her.

When she told Tiffin she would call 911, Tiffin allegedly ignited the gasoline.

His wife went to put out the flames, but didn't realize some of the gasoline had splashed on her.

She was taken to St. Mary's Hospital with second-degree burns to her feet, legs and arms.

Investigators determined she was not intentionally doused with gasoline.

The fire was mostly contained to the living room of the mobile home.
Tiffin was booked in to the Mesa County Detention Facility on Assault in the First Degree (class 3 felony), First Degree Arson (class 3 felony), Felony Menacing (class 5 felony) and Domestic Violence (sentence enhancement).

Investigators obtained a search warrant for the home and are processing the scene for evidence.

The case is still under investigation.

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

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Crime Stoppers crime of the week


GRAND JUNCTION, Colo - This week Crime Stoppers of Mesa County is requesting information that will lead to the identification of the subject involved in a theft from auto.

 At approximately 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 31st, unknown subject unlawfully entered a parked vehicle in the Sam’s Club parking lot. 

While inside the vehicle, the suspect removed two gas cans full of gasoline.
Security cameras captured a white male approximately 30-50 years old, 5’10” to 6’4” tall about 150-200 pounds and wearing a green t-shirt and blue jeans. 

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

GJPD# 2016-31665

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

UPDATE: Missing Delta County woman's body found

Mary Finnegan, 82
Last Seen July 15, 2016
MESA COUNTY, Colo - Mesa County Sheriff's Office received word Tuesday evening family members found 82-year-old Mary Finnegan's body in the Uncompahgre National Forest.

Finnegan's family continued searching the area where her car was found abandoned after five days of extensive searching by the Mesa County Sheriff's Office, search and rescue volunteers, and a number of other agencies turned up no clues to Finnegan's whereabouts.

Her body was found just over a mile from where the initial command post was set up and about 3 miles from where her car was found July 24th.

Tuesday, ranchers not part of the search effort, noticed something after going down a four-wheel-drive road looking for items that may have fallen of their truck.
Map of Search area

They immediately alerted Finnegan's family members who were camped out in the area.  Following their tip, family members found Finnegan's jacket under a tree and then her.

Finnegan's body was found about 50 yards off the roadway hidden under thick brush. Deputies responding to the scene said it was incredible she was found, you had to be very close to see her.

"Our hearts go out to Mary's family who worked tirelessly alongside our searchers and remained in the area even after we suspended our search operations," said Sheriff Matt Lewis. "Although this is not the outcome we wanted, I hope this will bring some level of closure to all of Mary Finnegan's family and friends."

Finnegan was last seen Friday, July 15th at the Rose Bowl Bowling Alley in Montrose.

Her car was found abandoned on a four-wheel-drive road off Divide Road near the Mesa County and Montrose County line on July 24th.

Staging area for search and rescue crews
in Uncompahgre National Forest
For the next five days, a massive search operation took place involving ground teams, experienced trackers, ATV teams, horses, dogs and air resources. Each day 40 to 60 people actively searched the wilderness.

The Mesa County Sheriff's Office, Mesa County Search and Rescue, Mesa County Sheriff’s Posse, Montrose County Sheriff's Posse, Montrose Police Department, Carbon County (Utah) Sheriff's Office, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Civil Air Patrol, local ranchers familiar with the area as well as family members were involved in the search.
MCSO during 
search for Finnegan

The massive search effort covered about 154 square miles and did include the area where Finnegan was found.

MCSO during
search for Finnegan
That area was apart of the secondary search area and was covered by people on ATVs and horseback.

Finnegan was found outside of the primary 7 square mile search area where most of the ground search was conducted.

The area's mountainous and physically challenging terrain made it extremely difficult for searchers. Brush was not only hard to move through, but also nearly impossible to see through.

At this time there doesn't appear to be any signs of foul play.

Finnegan's body was turned over to the Mesa County Coroner's Office. They will be conducting an autopsy this afternoon and will release the cause and manner of death at a later time.