Wednesday, August 28, 2019

MCSO Warns of Increasing Fire Danger


MESA COUNTY, Colo - The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office wants to alert the public to increasing fire danger in Mesa County.

While there are currently no fire restrictions in place, the potential for wildfire is still a concern. Our seasonably hot and dry weather and recent lack of measurable rain are causing local vegetation to dry out. In these conditions, a small spark has the potential to turn into a dangerous wildfire quickly.

To reduce the risk of wildfire, the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office is urging the public to recreate responsibility this Labor Day holiday weekend and into hunting season. Please be extra cautious with campfires, smoking outdoors and avoid dragging chains on trailers near dry brush.

Remember, if you light a campfire it is your responsibility to make sure it is completely out before you leave. A campfire is considered completely out when the embers are cool to the touch. Even a small amount of heat can reignite and start a wildfire.

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office is coordinating with federal and local partners weekly to monitor current fire conditions. When considering putting fire restrictions into place, fuel moisture levels, weather forecasts, and human factors such as holidays and anticipated fire related recreation activities are all analyzed.

Right now, no fire restrictions are in place in Mesa County, but people should still be aware of the fire risk.

For more information about current fire danger visit our website. 

Craig man arrested following a foot pursuit



MESA COUNTY, Colo - At 11:32 am Tuesday, a Mesa County Sheriff’s deputy responded to a report of a male possibly breaking into a car in a parking lot at 441 29 Road.

While the deputy was talking with the male, he took off running, and the deputy pursued on foot.

The male refused to stop and jumped over a fence. A taser was deployed. It was ineffective and the male kept running, onto the railroad tracks. He was located by other responding deputies and arrested near I-70B and the railroad tracks under the 29 Road Bridge.

The man was identified as Brandon Ray, 26, of Craig. Ray is facing the following charges.
Brandon Ray, 26
MCSO Photo 8-27-19
  • 1st Degree Criminal Trespass of Auto (Class 5 Felony)
  • Possession of Schedule I/II (Class 4 Drug Felony)
  • Criminal Impersonation (Class 6 Felony)
  • Resisting arrest (Class 2 Misdemeanor)
  • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Drug Petty Offense)
Ray also has an outstanding warrant out of Moffat County.

Once medically cleared by EMS on scene, Ray was transported to the Mesa County Detention Facility. For updated bond amounts visit our website.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Grand Junction Man arrested on Sex Assault Charges

MESA COUNTY, Colo.- Tuesday, August 20, at approximately 4 pm, Richard Bingham, 38, of Grand Junction was booked into the Mesa County jail on charges of Felony Sex Assault on a Child.

A joint investigation between the Mesa County Sheriff's Office and Grand Junction Police Department beginning in June 2019 concluded this week with the arrest. The alleged acts occurred between 2013 and 2017 and Bingham was known to the families of the juveniles victims.

In court Wednesday afternoon, Bingham was advised of the following charges:
  • Second Degree Kidnapping, a class 2 felony, in violation of CRS 18-3-302(3)(a)
  • 2 Counts of Sexual Assault on a Child (Pattern), a class 3 felony, in violation of CRS 18-3-405(2)(d) 
  • 2 Counts of Sexual Assault on a Child, a class 4 felony, in violation of CRS 18-3-405(2) 
  • Crime of Violence, a sentence enhancer, as defined by CRS 18-1.3-406(2)(b)
  • Jessica's Law, a sentence enhancer, as defined by CRS 18-1.3-1004(1)(e)
Bingham remains in the Mesa County Detention Facility with a $100,000 cash only bond.