The District Attorney — 18th Judicial District
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Ex-Taekwondo instructor sentenced to five decades in prison...
Report of June 1, 2023 officer-involved shooting in...
Enrollment open for Fall 2023 Citizen’s Academy
MS-13 gang member sentenced to life in prison...
Defendant in Douglas County double-homicide case sentenced to...
Arrest warrant issued in 2007 double-homicide cold case...
Report of February 2, 2023 officer-involved shooting in...
Colorado Springs woman sentenced to two decades in...
Jury returns guilty verdict for Littleton man who...
More than 100 warrants cancelled during ‘Second Chances’...

The District Attorney — 18th Judicial District

  • Our Office
    • About Us
      • Meet the District Attorney
      • Mission Statement
      • Law Enforcement Partners
      • Unified Metropolitan Forensic Crime Lab
      • Forms and Brochures
      • Organization Chart
    • Contact Us
    • Employment
    • General Courts
      • District Court
      • Juvenile Court
      • County Court
    • Specialized Units
      • Conviction Integrity Unit
      • Cold Case
      • Appeals
      • Vehicular Homicide Unit
      • Diversion Counseling Program
      • Special Victims Unit (SVU)
      • Domestic Violence Unit
      • Human Trafficking Unit
      • Elder and at Risk Unit
      • Economic Crime Unit
      • Problem Solving Courts
    • Support Units
      • Finance Unit
      • Communications
      • Human Resources
      • Technology
      • Investigations
      • Victim Witness Unit
      • Central Services
      • Victim Compensation
  • Newsletter
    • Newsletter Archive
  • Victim Services
    • Victim Witness Unit
      • Victim Impact Statement and Restitution Information
    • Victim Rights
    • Victim Compensation
    • Domestic Violence
      • Domestic Violence Fast Track
    • Sexual Assault
    • Sex Offender Locator
  • Community Outreach
    • Newsletter
    • Consumer Fraud Protection
      • Community Presentations
      • Wage Theft
      • Fraud Alerts
      • Bad Check Restitution Program — DISCONTINUED
    • Outreach
    • Events
      • Senior Law & Safety Summit: May 21, 2022
      • Second Chances Warrant Clearance
      • Community Conversations
      • Citizen’s Academy
    • Volunteer
  • Reports
    • Data Dashboards
    • Financial Reports
    • Media
    • News Releases
    • Records Request
    • Officer-Involved Shootings
    • Peace Officer Credibility Disclosure Notification
  • Prosecution
    • Criminal Justice Glossary
    • Courtroom Diagram
    • Records Request
    • Docket Search

News Release

Used for news releases

Ex-Taekwondo instructor sentenced to five decades in prison for recording multiple children in changing rooms

On September 15, 2023, Douglas County District Judge Patricia Herron sentenced Erik Chen, 32, to 50 years in the Department of Corrections.

In March, Chen pleaded guilty to three counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child, a class 3 Felony.

Background:

In February 2021, the Aurora Police Department was dispatched to Han Lee’s Taekwondo Academy in Aurora where Chen was employed. A father told investigators that his two daughters found Chen’s cell phone recording them while they were changing clothes in the Lone Tree Recreation Center’s changing room. The victims indicated they deleted the videos. An incident report was taken, but there was not enough probable cause or evidence to make an arrest at that time.

Then in June 2021, officers with the Castle Rock Police Department responded to the Castle Rock Recreation Center after a therapist stated one of her clients disclosed that Chen recorded them in the restroom of the recreation center in 2020.

The investigation revealed Chen ran summer camps for Han Lee’s Taekwondo Center, which has locations in Aurora and Lone Tree. On multiple occasions, detectives learned Chen left his backpack in a changing room or restroom with his cell phone recording in a side pocket. One of the victims reported noticing the phone hanging out the side of Chen’s backpack and went to turn it around out of caution and found it was recording.

In August 2021, a search warrant was issued for Chen’s electronic devices and home. Police seized multiple computers, CD’s and DVD’s which contained hundreds of thousands of images of child pornography depicting girls believed to be between the ages of 8 and 12.

“This defendant preyed on innocent, young children who trusted him as a camp leader,” Senior Deputy District Attorney Zoe Laird said. “I hope this sentence provides some sense of closure for his victims and at a minimum, it ensures the defendant won’t be able to victimize and exploit other children in our community while he serves his sentence in prison.”

In addition to the hundreds of thousands of pornographic images of young children, detectives discovered more than a half dozen videos Chen took in local bathrooms or locker rooms where young girls and one boy are seen changing clothes. Chen is also visible on some of the videos setting up the phone to record.

“I’m proud of these victims for having the courage to speak up and tell a trusted adult about what happened,” District Attorney John Kellner said. “By coming forward, these young girls likely saved many others from being victimized by this defendant. Our families should feel safer knowing he will no longer be around our children for a very long time.”

Upon release, Chen will be required to register as a sex offender.

“We commend our detectives for their diligent efforts and appreciate the District Attorney’s Office for its commitment to holding this individual accountable for his crimes,” Castle Rock Police Chief Jack Cauley said.  “Our sincere hope is that this helps bring closure to all the victims as they continue their journey forward.”

Ex-Taekwondo instructor sentenced to five decades in prison for recording multiple children in changing rooms was last modified: September 15th, 2023 by Eric Ross
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Enrollment open for Fall 2023 Citizen’s Academy

The 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office is hosting a free, seven-week Citizen’s Academy for community members in Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln Counties.

WHO: Office of the 18th Judicial District Attorney

WHEN: Every Thursday from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. from September 14 – October 26, 2023

WHERE: 6450 S. Revere Parkway

Centennial, CO 80111

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Friday, August 25, 2023

This in-person course offers residents a detailed overview of our criminal justice system. Our prosecutors will provide an in-depth look at what happens with a criminal case between the time of arrest and post-conviction. Attendees will also have the option to participate in a mock trial following the classroom portion of the course.

The following specialized units will be featured in our upcoming academy class:

– Domestic Violence Unit                                        -Economic Crime Unit (ECU)

-Cold Case Unit                                                         -Investigations Team

-Special Victim’s Unit (SVU)                                   -Juvenile Prosecution

-Organized Crime Unit (OCU)                                 -Victim’s Compensation

“I’m proud to deliver a Citizen’s Academy that gives participants the opportunity to witness how our justice system works,” District Attorney John Kellner said. “Instead of watching a verdict on television, attendees will get a behind-the-scenes look into how we investigate and prosecute cases.”

Our Fall 2023 Citizen’s Academy application can be found here.

Light snacks and refreshments will be served during each session.

If you have questions about enrollment or course schedule, please contact James Sorrells, Director of Consumer Fraud Protection at 720-874-8547.

 

Enrollment open for Fall 2023 Citizen’s Academy was last modified: August 16th, 2023 by Eric Ross
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MS-13 gang member sentenced to life in prison without parole

Following a four-week long trial, Mauricio Alvarado-Vasquez, 31, was convicted and sentenced in July to life in prison without the possibility of parole for his role in multiple murders and attempted murders that occurred in 2019.

Murder of Vicky DeDios:

On September 8, 2019, the Dispatch Center in Aurora received a 9-1-1 call regarding a car fire on I-225. After firefighters extinguished the flames, a body, later identified as Vicky DeDios was found in the backseat floorboard. Detectives uncovered the victim was stabbed more than 20 times.

The investigation revealed DeDios was targeted because the MS-13 gang perceived her as a rival gang member. DeDios was out at a bar when she was lured outside, rendered unconscious and driven to a house where she was stabbed in her vehicle. Through interviews with other known MS-13 gang members, detectives learned that after the victim was stabbed, Alvarado-Vasquez and another co-defendant, David Tobias-Carbajal, drove the victim’s car with the body in the back and parked it on the shoulder of I-225. The two then went to purchase gasoline and a lighter and set fire to the car.

“This defendant bragged about stabbing the victim first and then asked her how it feels to die,” Chief Deputy District Attorney Laura Wilson said. “He is an ongoing threat to the entire community and deserves to spend the rest of his life in prison.”

Murder of Carlos Ramirez-Rivera:

On November 2, 2019 at approximately 3:00 a.m., officers in Glendale were dispatched to a traffic crash at the intersection of E. Kentucky Avenue and S. Birch Street. As an officer approached the car, they noticed a male, later identified as Ramirez-Rivera, slumped over in the driver seat. The victim was pronounced dead on-scene. Surveillance camera footage revealed Ramirez-Rivera was stopped at a stop sign when another car pulled up and fired multiple shots, striking him in his arms and chest. The investigation revealed Ramirez-Rivera was targeted for his alleged involvement in a rival gang and was followed after leaving a local bar.

Attempted Murder of Alexander Portillo:

Between September and October 2019, detectives learned Alvarado-Vasquez conspired with two other co-defendants on Facebook and another messaging app to kill Alexander Portillo over a perceived threat that he was also in a rival gang. The investigation found the MS-13 gang had been trying to figure out Portillo’s work schedule, employer, and type of car he drove so they could ambush and kill him.

Apartment complex shooting:

Just before 2:30 a.m. on November 11, 2019, officers in Aurora responded to a shooting at an apartment complex on S. Ironton Street. Six people suffered gunshot wounds and survived. The victims had previously been at a local bar and were labeled as rival gang members by MS-13. However, there was no evidence to suggest the victims had a gang affiliation.

“Our law enforcement partners were instrumental in helping us bring justice to victims and shut down an organized criminal enterprise that had been terrorizing the community for several months,” Chief Deputy District Attorney Jason Siers said. “Hundreds of hours were spent reviewing surveillance video and speaking with witnesses to put all of the pieces to the puzzle together.”

More than a dozen defendants were charged with MS-13 gang-related crimes between 2019 and 2020. Two defendants have pending trials as of August 2023. Defendants pending trial or whose cases have not concluded must be presumed innocent.

“This is one of the most violent and brutal gangs I have come across in my career as a prosecutor,” District Attorney John Kellner said. “I cannot stress enough how grateful I am to the state and federal law enforcement team that dedicated years to bringing these defendants to justice. Their efforts prevented this transnational criminal gang from gaining a foothold in our community.”

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2020 CR 1296 – Mauricio Lopez-Rodriguez

Sentence: 10 years DOC

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2020 CR 1287 – David Tobias-Carbajal

Sentence: Life without Parole – Convicted at trial

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2020 CR 1298 – Miriam Tobias-Carbajal

Sentence: 5 years Probation

====================================

2020 CR 1293 – Manuel Rivera-Rivas

Sentence: Pending

The defendant in this case pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit First-Degree Murder after Deliberation, a Class 3 felony, along with being an Accessory to a Crime, a Class 4 felony.

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2020 CR 1291 – Josue Tobias-Carbajal

Sentence: Life without Parole

====================================

2020 CR 3058 – Edwin Mendoza

Sentence: 8 years in DOC

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2020 CR 1288 – Enrique Zamorano-Cuevas

Sentence: 4 years in DOC

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2020 CR 1321 – Elias Tobias

Status: Sentence Pending

The defendant in this case pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit First-Degree Murder after Deliberation, a Class 3 felony, and Violent Crime Causing Death or Serious Bodily Injury, a sentence enhancer.

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2020 CR 1290 – Gerson Huezo-Cerritos

Sentence: 10 years in DOC

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2020 CR 1289 – Enrique Juarez-Gonzalez

Sentence: 24 years in DOC

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2020 CR 1286 – Cristian Vasquez-Ortega

Sentence: 48 years in DOC

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2020 CR 1323 – Rafael Lopez-Rodriguez

Sentence: 10 years in DOC

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2020 CR 1294 – Marvin Ramos-Hernandez

Sentence: 16 years in DOC

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2020 CR 1299 – Natalie Bolivar

Sentence: 4 years Probation

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2020 CR 2176 – Hector Rodriguez-Barrientos

Sentence: 30 years in DOC

====================================

2020 CR 1320 – David Medina-Hernandez

Sentence: 10 years in DOC

Additional mugshots for defendants incarcerated in the Department of Corrections can be obtained through the DOC Inmate Locator webpage.

 

MS-13 gang member sentenced to life in prison without parole was last modified: August 10th, 2023 by Eric Ross
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Defendant in Douglas County double-homicide case sentenced to 97 years in prison

On August 7, Douglas County Judge Patricia D. Herron sentenced Casey Devol, 31 to 97 years in prison for shooting and killing his sister, his sister’s boyfriend, and a dog last year.

On February 8, 2022, Douglas County Regional Dispatch received a call about two deceased people at a home on S. Russellville Road in Unincorporated Douglas County. The reporting party stated that he was bringing a car title over to an employee of his and when he walked into the garage, he noticed two dead victims and called for help.

The victims were identified as Jessica Mitchell, 32, and her boyfriend, Bryan Gray 34. Autopsy reports show both were shot to death.

During the investigation, detectives with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office noticed the property had surveillance cameras. After reviewing the footage, they were able to see a suspect carrying multiple firearms and entering the garage where the victims were found. Shortly after the murders, a family friend of Jessica’s called investigators to provide information about the suspect possibly being Jessica’s brother, Casey Devol. Devol’s driver’s license photo matched the characteristics of the suspect seen on video entering the victims’ garage before the murders.

During the autopsy, Mitchell was found with a digital recording device which captured a lengthy audio recording of the events leading up to and including the murders.

“While we may never know why Jessica decided to start a recording, it was instrumental in helping us place the defendant at the home with the two victims,” Chief Deputy District Attorney Andrew Steers said. “On the recording, you hear three people talking over dinner. The recording is unclear as to what the motive was behind the shooting. What is clear is that two of the three people having dinner that night were murdered and the only person who can answer ‘why’ is Mr. Devol.”

Devol was arrested without incident at a hotel in Kansas on February 9, 2022.

On July 19, 2023, Devol pleaded guilty to the following offenses:

Second-Degree Murder (2 counts)

 Animal Cruelty

“I am very proud of my staff’s hard work and dedication towards this case,” Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly said. “This was a particularly heinous crime scene, and our detectives knew the killer needed to be found immediately. The team worked swiftly and did not rest until Devol was identified and behind bars. The safety of our community is my number one priority, and I will always ensure I have the resources necessary to make this happen.”

The 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office would like to highlight the great work performed by Douglas County Detectives Kristen Donoho and Matt Talmon, Cpl. Brian Pereria and all the commanders at DCSO who helped coordinate a massive SWAT operation and fugitive hunt to apprehend Devol.

“When no eyewitnesses to these murders existed, a digital recorder device became a voice for the victims,” District Attorney John Kellner said. “Jessica likely sensed something was wrong, and her instincts to start a recording and archive the tragic turn of events helped detectives and my prosecutors piece this mystery together and bring justice to their families.”

 

Defendant in Douglas County double-homicide case sentenced to 97 years in prison was last modified: August 7th, 2023 by Eric Ross
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Arrest warrant issued in 2007 double-homicide cold case in Aurora

This week, an arrest warrant was issued for Alejandro Garcia-Loya, DOB 9-9-87, for a double-homicide case that occurred more than a decade ago in Aurora.

Garcia-Loya is charged with the following offenses:

First-Degree Murder After Deliberation (2 Counts)

On July 16, 2007, officers with the Aurora Police Department were dispatched to a welfare check call at an apartment in the 200 block of S. Jasper Circle. Family of Ignacio Zamudio-Estrada called police to share concerns that they had not heard from Ignacio in several days and that multiple phone calls went unanswered.

A responding officer arrived at the complex and opened an unlocked sliding back door. The officer immediately smelled an odor consistent with a decomposing body. Upon entry, officers found two deceased victims with severe trauma to their heads. Both were pronounced dead on-scene.

The victims were identified as:

Juan Ayala-Medina

Ignacio Zamudio-Estrada

Detectives with the Aurora Police Department searched the apartment and found a utility bill in the name of Alejandro Garcia-Loya, who was not related to either of the victims but resided in the apartment. Detectives also found a social security card with the name “Alejandro Garcia,” but discovered that social security card was fraudulent because the social security number on the card did not match the physical name.

Shortly after the murders, detectives sent several pieces of evidence from the apartment to CBI for examination. A spoon and a Mountain Dew can were collected from Alejandro’s room and later DNA tested. The results show the DNA collected from the items were from a single contributor. Fingerprints were also collected from Alejandro’s bedroom without any successful matches. In that same bedroom, a Walmart receipt was found showing a purchase of the Mountain Dew bottle and a youth baseball bat shortly before the crime took place. The youth baseball bat was not recovered.

Several years later, the Department of Homeland Security Latent Print Unit got a “hit” on the latent prints submitted in 2007. The fingerprints in the DHS system for Alejandro Garcia-Loya matched the five latent prints collected from the homicide scene.

On April 11, 2023, Aurora Police Detective Jason McDonald completed a review of this case and concluded the third roommate who fled to Mexico after killing Ignacio Zamudio-Estrada and Juan Ayala-Medina is Alejandro Garcia-Loya.

“The Aurora Police Department, along with the Major Crime Homicide Unit, is committed to finding justice for our victims and their families. Just because a case goes cold, does not mean it is forgotten,” said Major Crime Homicide Unit Sgt. Chris Cruser. “Our detectives are always looking for new leads, evidence and information to solve cases. This is just one example of their efforts and dedication.”

At this point in time, the defendant has not yet been apprehended. Anyone with information about his whereabouts can call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.

“As time passes, cases can become tougher to solve,” Deputy District Attorney Grant Grosgebauer said. “No matter how much time passes, our Cold Case Unit is solely focused on holding offenders accountable and ensuring victims get justice.”

Arrest warrant issued in 2007 double-homicide cold case in Aurora was last modified: August 3rd, 2023 by Eric Ross
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Colorado Springs woman sentenced to two decades in prison for fatal DUI crash in Parker

Douglas County Judge Patricia Herron sentenced Jessica Stahl, 46, to 22 years in the Department of Corrections for a deadly crash that occurred last year in Parker.

Just after 2 a.m. on June 16, 2022, officers with the Parker Police Department responded to the intersection of Parker Road and Cottonwood Drive for a car crash. Upon arrival, officers found a pedestrian, later identified as Lacey Lewis, 25, from Steamboat Springs in the middle of the road. After fighting for her life for several hours, she was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Lacey Lewis

The investigation revealed Lewis and her boyfriend were walking home and were in the crosswalk when Stahl plowed into the victim. Lewis’ boyfriend was not injured.

Stahl initially stopped at the scene and asked Lewis’ boyfriend, “Did I hit her?” Stahl, who never called 9-1-1 or offered any assistance, then went back to her car and stayed there for almost six minutes. When police started approaching her vehicle, Stahl sped away. Officers chased her for about a mile at high speed before she pulled over. The defendant was arrested and taken to a nearby hospital for a blood draw after clear indications of being under the influence of drugs.

“Two nurses with more than 40 years of combined experience couldn’t draw blood,” Deputy District Attorney Sherri Giger said. “Medical staff and officers had never witnessed such extensive track marks and destroyed veins from heroin use.”

In lieu of a blood sample, medical staff was able to collect a urine sample which showed illicit drug use including Heroin, Methamphetamine, Vicodin, Fentanyl, Suboxone, and Diphenhydramine.

Jessica Stahl

Following a four-day trial, a jury convicted Stahl of the following offenses:

-Vehicular Homicide/DUI

-Vehicular Assault/DUI

-Child Abuse

-Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Serious Bodily Injury

-Leaving the Scene of an Accident Causing Death

“At the time Stahl crashed into Lacey and took police on a chase, she had her young child in the car,” Deputy District Attorney Corrie Caler said. “This mother had no business being on the road that night and she put countless lives in danger.”

During the crash investigation, officers noted that Stahl was traveling through an overnight construction zone, where one witness and 9-1-1 caller observed Stahl weaving and driving erratically prior to the crash.

“This is the second fatal DUI-related case my Office successfully prosecuted in Douglas County during the month of May,” District Attorney John Kellner said. “These preventable tragedies are inexcusable and my prosecutors will continue holding offenders accountable who endanger innocent people on our roads.”

Earlier this month, Ricky Avalos-Trujillo, 25, was sentenced to 31 years in prison for killing two high school students in a DUI-related crash back in August of 2022. Details on this case can be viewed in the “News Releases” section of our DA18 web site.

Colorado Springs woman sentenced to two decades in prison for fatal DUI crash in Parker was last modified: August 1st, 2023 by Eric Ross
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Jury returns guilty verdict for Littleton man who shot and injured police officer

Rigoberto Valles-Dominguez, 35, was found guilty this month for shooting a Littleton police officer.

Around 11:30 p.m. on September 20, 2021, officers responded to reports of shots being fired from a car window near West Powers Avenue and South Bannock Street. Upon arrival, officers located one of the suspects, later identified as Valles-Dominguez, walking away from the scene.

Before police could place Valles-Dominguez in custody, he took off running toward an apartment building. During the foot chase, the defendant pulled out a handgun and fired multiple rounds, striking Officer David Snook in the torso, arm and leg. Snook and Corporal Jeff Farmer both returned fire, Valles-Dominguez escaped.

The investigation revealed Valles-Dominguez hid for several hours in the complex before carjacking a motorist and leaving the scene. He was captured a few days later at an RV home in Brighton.

Earlier this year, Littleton Police Corporal Jeff Farmer was presented the Medal of Valor by President Joe Biden for helping save Snook during the shootout.

“Most people run away when shots are fired. These officers ran towards the sound of danger at great personal risk, to protect each other and our community. I’m grateful for their service and heroism,” District Attorney John Kellner said. “A lengthy prison sentence is appropriate and necessary to ensure the safety of our community.”

“The defendant’s actions showed no regard for human life,” Chief Deputy District Attorney Jason Siers said. “While Officer Snook suffered serious injuries, it’s a miracle no one was killed.”

A jury found Valles-Dominguez guilty of the following offenses:

-Attempted First-Degree Murder after Deliberation (2 counts)

-Attempted First-Degree Murder/Extreme Indifference (2 counts)

-Aggravated Robbery (2 counts)

-Prohibited Use of a Weapon

-Assault with a Deadly Weapon causing Serious Bodily Injury

-First-Degree Assault/Extreme Indifference

-First-Degree Assault on a Peace Officer (2 Counts)

-Violent Crime Sentence Enhancer (2 counts)

“This defendant did not care who he injured that night,” Senior Deputy District Attorney Colleen Greer said. “Despite being shot seven times, we’re grateful he was able to recover, testify, and witness this guilty verdict.”

Sentencing is scheduled for September 25.

 

Jury returns guilty verdict for Littleton man who shot and injured police officer was last modified: July 28th, 2023 by Eric Ross
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More than 100 warrants cancelled during ‘Second Chances’ event in Arapahoe County

On July 15, the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office proudly sponsored a ‘Second Chances’ warrant clearance event in Aurora at CentrePoint Plaza.

The program allowed anyone with certain types of warrants in Arapahoe County the opportunity to speak with a defense attorney and judge to resolve their case, pay a fine or restitution, or obtain a new court date.

The following types of warrants were eligible for cancellation (excluding domestic violence, assaults, sex offenses and cases falling under the Victims’ Rights Act):

-Probation violations

-Class 5 or 6 felonies

-Class 4 drug felony cases

-Misdemeanor cases

-Traffic offenses

During the 5-hour event, 100 people showed up and a total of 109 warrants were cancelled.

“The general public may not realize that missing one court date or failing to pay a fine can lead to a warrant for your arrest,” Senior Chief Deputy District Attorney Victoria Klingensmith said. “By allowing defendants with warrants for lower-level offenses to get a second chance to take care of their case, we can better focus our time and resources on prosecuting violent offenders who put the community’s safety at risk.”

Statistics from the event:

-49 people, some with multiple warrants, had their cases heard and resolved by 18th Judicial District Chief Judge Michelle Amico.

-36 people, some with multiple cases, were issued a new court date and had their warrant(s) cancelled.

-Collections had 5 cases paid in-full.

-The oldest warrant cleared was issued 18 years ago.

“I support events like this to help defendants with certain offenses get back on track,” District Attorney John Kellner said. “Our Second Chances events allow us to focus limited court and law enforcement resources on the most serious offenses, while saving taxpayers money and ensuring accountability for offenders.”

The event was made possible through various community partnerships including Aurora Public Schools, Arapahoe County Public Health, Arapahoe County Community Resources, Arapahoe County Human Services, AllHealth Network and Aurora Mental Health.

More than 100 warrants cancelled during ‘Second Chances’ event in Arapahoe County was last modified: July 21st, 2023 by Eric Ross
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Drunk driver who killed two Castle View HS students sentenced to 31 years in prison

On August 5, 2022, a truck with four Castle View High School students, all 17 years old, was struck head-on by Ricky Avalos-Trujillo.  Two of the students were killed, and the surviving two students were both injured in the collision.

On July 14, 2023, Judge Theresa Slade imposed a 31-year sentence for the defendant after his conviction on multiple counts including Vehicular Homicide – DUI, Vehicular Assault – DUI, and Careless Driving.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Meghan Gallo and Deputy District Attorney Sherri Giger prosecuted the case on behalf of the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.  The defendant was found guilty following a jury trial in May 2023.

At the July 14, 2023 Sentencing Hearing, prosecutors requested the maximum possible sentence, which included consecutive prison sentences for two counts of Vehicular Homicide, one count of Vehicular Assault, and a consecutive jail sentence for the charge of Careless Driving.

The Judge ultimately imposed that maximum sentence for a total of 31 years.

“Every death is tragic, but to see two young lives lost and another gravely injured is heartbreaking,” said Gallo.  “All of the devastation caused by this defendant’s choices was preventable if only the defendant, who knew first-hand the dangers of drunk driving, had not chosen to get behind the wheel.”

The investigation revealed that the defendant was speeding and driving in the wrong lane into oncoming traffic and was under the influence of both alcohol and marijuana at the time he was driving.  The defendant was also serving a probation sentence for a DUI injury crash out of California at the time of this tragedy.

“He should have never been behind the wheel, and unfortunately, his victims and their families will have to live with the impacts of that decision for the rest of their lives,” said Deputy District Attorney Sherri Giger.  “This is an individual who has proven he cannot safely be in our community, and we appreciate that the Judge’s sentence ensures that he won’t threaten the safety of other innocent drivers for years to come.

“Every death as a result of drunk driving is 100% preventable,” said District Attorney John Kellner.  “We can never replace those loved ones that are lost, but my office is committed to holding dangerous drunk drivers accountable to the full extent of the law.”

Media Contact for this press release: Aurora Ogg, Director of Community Engagement ([email protected])

Drunk driver who killed two Castle View HS students sentenced to 31 years in prison was last modified: July 20th, 2023 by Eric Ross
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Aurora woman sentenced to 42 years in prison for starting deadly apartment complex fire

On June 16, 2023, Alondra Michel, 39, was sentenced to 42 years in the Department of Corrections for starting a deadly fire in January of last year.

Around 1:30 a.m. on January 24, 2022, Aurora Fire Rescue responded to a structure fire at an apartment complex on E. Evans Avenue. Firefighters quickly determined the blaze was intentionally set. The investigation revealed Michel lit a blanket on fire inside a ground-level apartment following a disagreement with her boyfriend over text messages with other women on his phone.

During the evacuation of tenants, firefighters found Abner Salmeron-Bautista, 5, on a bed in a second-floor apartment. He was rushed to the hospital where he later died from his injuries.

Alondra pleaded guilty to 2nd Degree Murder and three counts of 1st Degree Arson.

“This defendant’s actions showed a complete disregard for the safety of all tenants living in that complex,” Chief Deputy District Attorney Ann Tomsic said. “We hope this lengthy prison sentence can bring some closure to Abner’s family and the other tenants who were temporarily displaced at no fault of their own.”

After her prison sentence, Michel will be placed on parole for 5 years.

“This defendant made a terrible and reckless decision to start a fire in a complex in the middle of the night when most tenants were likely asleep,” District Attorney John Kellner said. “I praise the firefighters who arrived on-scene and immediately worked to evacuate three floors in the complex. While it’s a miracle more people weren’t seriously injured or killed, my heart goes out to Abner’s family.”

Aurora woman sentenced to 42 years in prison for starting deadly apartment complex fire was last modified: June 21st, 2023 by Eric Ross
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