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Ex-Taekwondo instructor sentenced to five decades in prison...
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Enrollment open for Fall 2023 Citizen’s Academy
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Colorado Springs woman sentenced to two decades in...
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More than 100 warrants cancelled during ‘Second Chances’...

The District Attorney — 18th Judicial District

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Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office

Second Chances event clears 101 outstanding warrants

The Second Chances warrant clearance event in Arapahoe County on Feb. 12 was a great success: 101 warrants were cleared. (Some people had more than one warrant)

These are people who for one reason or another fell out of compliance and a judge issued a warrant for their arrest. Whether it was because of a missed court date, an unpaid fine or unmet probation obligations, these people went about life knowing that any random contact with law enforcement could lead to an arrest, booking and jail.

Judge Amico

18th Judicial District Chief Judge Michelle Amico hears a plea Feb. 12 during the Second Chances event in Arapahoe County.


“The criminal justice system can be complicated, and it’s not perfect,” said District Attorney John Kellner. “When my team proposed a way to get willing defendants back on track, I was all in. This event shows that collaboration can lead to results that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”

18th Judicial District Chief Judge Michelle Amico was an early supporter of the idea. The Office of the Public Defender and the Probation Department helped spread the word. Arapahoe County had the space, and community partners like AllHeath Network, Stride, Aurora Mental Health, Tri County Health and Arapahoe County Human Services signed up to offer services on a Saturday. Translators were on hand, and the Collections office was open to clear up any related fines.

The day arrived, and participants started lining up, some with family and supporters in tow. Many had traffic cases, first-time DUI arrests or petty offenses. There were 31 low-level felonies, such as drug possession.

The Public Defenders Office had attorneys at the event.


Defendants told of flying in from Tennessee and Ohio, and driving in from Nebraska. There had been a glitch in transferring probation, they said, and they wanted to clear things up.

One man fell out of compliance on a juvenile case, and thus he had a 2013 warrant hanging over his head. He feared applying for jobs, government benefits or a drivers license; he worried he would be involved in a traffic accident or be a victim of a crime and taken to jail by responding officers.

He showed up to the event, checked in with the public defender, and his attorney worked with a prosecutor. He was able to appear before Judge Amico, enter into a plea agreement and resolve the case.

“We want every defendant to comply with court orders, but we understand that sometimes life gets in the way,” said Senior Chief Deputy District Attorney Vicki Klingensmith, the lead from the DA’s office in organizing the event. “And once you fall out of compliance, figuring out how to straighten things out can be daunting. It was wonderful to see that burden instantly lifted for so many people.”

Prosecutors from the District Attorney’s Office participated.


The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s deputies who were at the event to provide security for Judge Amico’s temporary courtroom agreed.

For every warrant that was cleared, the sheriff’s office estimated it would have cost them:

• 2 hours for the deputy making the arrest
• 4 hours for the booking process at the jail
• $128 if the defendant spent the night in jail

“The Second Chances warrant event displayed the collaborative efforts of community partners to allow individuals to navigate through their warrant and the criminal justice system without the fear of being held at the county jail,” said Arapahoe Sheriff Tyler Brown. “I commend Chief Judge Amico and District Attorney Kellner and all the community partners for their forward thinking and willingness to try new approaches to criminal justice accountability.”

Arapahoe County Sheriff’s deputies checked a person before he went before the judge.


One woman walked through the door hesitantly, not long before the event was scheduled to end.

“My friends told me this was a trap,” she told the volunteers at the front door. “But I told them I didn’t care, I wanted to get this cleared up.”

About 90 minutes later, she went out the same door and gave the volunteers a thumbs-up. They cheered as she left with a big smile on her face.

Second Chances event clears 101 outstanding warrants was last modified: February 17th, 2022 by Eric Ross
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18th Judicial District Attorney

Report of Sept. 3, 2021, shooting in Arapahoe County

Review of the fatal shooting of Lisa Garcia by Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Joseph Hallett and Tyler Zimmerman at an apartment building at 7500 E. Harvard. Ave.
OIS Letter Link

Report of Sept. 3, 2021, shooting in Arapahoe County was last modified: April 19th, 2023 by Eric Ross
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18th Judicial District Attorney

19 people indicted in drug-distribution ring

At a news conference Dec. 1, the District Attorney’s Office for the 18th Judicial District and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration announced the grand jury indictments of 19 people in connection with a drug-distribution ring. Two other related defendants were identified and arrested after the indictments.

The 20-count indictment from the 18th Judicial District Grand Jury outlines how the defendants distributed large quantities of controlled substances — including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl – throughout Arapahoe, Douglas, Denver and Jefferson counties.

The DEA began its investigation in April 2021. The grand jury found that defendant Saul Ramon Rivera-Beltran, 30, of Thornton, coordinated the drug shipments and deals from Mexico. The fentanyl is believed to have been manufactured in Mexico, smuggled into the United Sates and eventually brought to Colorado. Rivera-Beltran is being held on $1 million bond.

“These indictments are an example of how my Organized Crime Unit is able to prosecute those who traffic illegal drugs in our communities and neighborhoods,” said District Attorney John Kellner. “These are people who peddle deadly substances. And where we find the illegal drug trade, we usually find illegal weapons. We will continue to work with local, state and federal partners to prosecute these criminal organizations.”

“This investigation is not about the amount of drugs seized or number of people arrested,” said DEA Denver Acting Special Agent in Charge David Olesky. “This investigation demonstrates and corroborates the alarming trend in counterfeit prescription pills laced with fentanyl flooding our streets, as well as the continuing nexus between drug trafficking and violent crime impacting our communities.”

These are the defendants, who will prosecuted in Douglas County District Court:

Saul Ramon Rivera-Beltran, 2021CR1057
Samuel Padilla-Romo, 2021CR1059
Jesus Tarango-Rodriquez, 2021CR1061
Misael Acosta-garcia, 2021CR1063
Martin Ivan Trevizo, 2021CR1065
Austin Peterson, 2021CR1067
Christian Beltran-Beltran, 2021CR1069
Gustavo Labrador Valderrama, 2021CR1071
Luis Jacob Zytacua, 2021CR1073
Amanda Fair Wynn Bidgood, 2021CR1075
Juan Francis Sarabia-Mancinas, 2021CR1076
Anita Kay Bateman, 2021CR1077
Miguel Diarte, 2021CR1079
Brayan Osiel Gonzales-Mancinas, 2021CR1080
Jorge Escamilla, 2021CR1081
Antonio Lorenzo Escamilla, 2021CR1083
Ernestina Angela Montoya, 2021CR1085
Cesar A Ortiz, 2021CR1087
Alberto Sanchez Rodrigquez, 2021CR1089
Adrian Santana, 2021CR1091
Nancy Vargas, 2021CR1093

Charges range from racketeering and conspiracy under the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act to drug distribution and money laundering. The top counts are Class 2 felonies.

Criminal charges are merely a formal accusation that an individual has committed a crime. A defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

19 people indicted in drug-distribution ring was last modified: December 1st, 2021 by Eric Ross
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Demarea Mitchell

Shooter sentenced in Centennial murder over vape juice

The teenager who shot and killed a Centennial teen during a vape juice robbery was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 40 years.

Demarea Mitchell

Demarea Mitchell


Arapahoe County District Court Judge Ben Leutwyler sentenced Demarea Mitchell, 19, of Aurora, for his role in the murder of Lloyd Chavez IV. The victim was 18 years old and a student at Cherokee Trail High School when he was shot and killed outside his home on May 8, 2019.

A jury found Mitchell guilty July 16 of felony murder, attempted aggravated robbery and conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery.

“When a gun is involved in a crime, bad things happen,” said District Attorney John Kellner. “This defendant was there to take something that was not his. He was old enough to appreciate the consequences of bringing a loaded gun to a robbery and using it.

“This crime has created a great absence in the Chavez family, and Lloyd cannot be replaced. We will never know what he would have contributed to our community.”

Chief Deputy District Attorney Christopher Gallo tried the case with Deputy District Attorney Gwenn Sandrock.

“We’re very grateful for the jury’s consideration of this case, and the verdict which they returned,” Gallo said. “That verdict and this sentence recognize the gravity of this defendant’s offense, and the long-reaching effect of this crime.”

The victim’s father spoke on behalf of his family during the sentencing hearing.

“We lost a life that day. This is completely senseless. Why would anyone do this to him?” the father said. “The defendant gets to see his family, but we will never see Lloyd again.”

Sandrock gave the Sept. 22 sentencing argument.

“This defendant willingly participated and he knew there was going to be a robbery. He could have chosen not to participate,” she said. “He took the gun and he used it. It was this defendant who pulled the trigger and fired the bullet. His actions led to Mr. Chavez dying in front of his family in his living room.”

Shooter sentenced in Centennial murder over vape juice was last modified: September 24th, 2021 by Eric Ross
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Diego Gallegos Castorena

Man who injured Arapahoe deputy sentenced

A Federal Heights man in a stolen truck who rammed an Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office deputy and patrol car was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Diego Gallegos Castorena

Diego Gallegos Castorena


Arapahoe County District Court Judge Ben Leutwyler on Monday sentenced Diego Gallegos Castorena, 24. He pleaded guilty March 8 to one count of second-degree assault, a Class 4 felony. Other counts were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

“You don’t get to ram a patrol car and injure a deputy and then just walk away,” said District Attorney John Kellner. “This defendant chose to commit a crime and then, rather than surrender, he made things worse when deputies tried to apprehend him. This just shows the dangers law enforcement officers face every day to uphold the law, even when responding to what some claim are ‘low-level offenses.’ ”

On Jan. 22, 2020, Arapahoe County Sheriff’s deputies were informed of plans for an illegal drug transaction at an apartment complex. When Castorena arrived at the complex in a stolen truck, deputies blocked the truck into a parking space and moved to arrest him. Castorena rammed the sheriff’s vehicle and hit a deputy. When Castorena backed up towards other deputies, one fired a weapon at him.

Castorena was hit by the deputy’s gunfire but recovered. The deputy’s actions were ruled legally justified by the District Attorney’s Office.

Deputy District Attorney Taylor McCreary prosecuted the case.

“This defendant not only broke numerous laws, but he also chose to endanger the lives of law enforcement officers. One deputy was seriously injured; the other saw what happened to his partner and was forced to act,” McCreary said. “The disregard for law and safety shown by this defendant made clear that incarceration was the appropriate outcome in this case.”

Man who injured Arapahoe deputy sentenced was last modified: June 11th, 2021 by Eric Ross
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Kenneth Gallegos

Teen convicted in vape juice killing sentenced to prison

The teenager who orchestrated a vape juice robbery that led to the death of a Centennial teen was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 40 years.

Kenneth Gallegos

Kenneth Gallegos


Arapahoe County District Court Judge Ben Leutwyler sentenced Kenneth Gallegos, 19, of Aurora, for his role in the murder of Lloyd Chavez IV. The victim was 18 years old and a student at Cherokee Trail High School when he was shot and killed outside his home on May 8, 2019.

A jury found Gallegos guilty April 9 of felony murder, attempted aggravated robbery, conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery, and attempted theft.

“If Kenneth Gallegos lived the things he learned in kindergarten, we would not be here today,” Leutwyler said. “But for your actions, Lloyd Chavez would be alive. You set the events in motion. … I am struck by the utterly senseless decisions that were made that day.”

“The jury convicted this defendant of murder. He planned this crime and made sure it was executed, and that resulted in the needless death of a young person full of promise,” said District Attorney John Kellner. “When a gun is involved in a crime, bad things can happen, and that is what we have here.

“This sentence won’t bring Lloyd back, but perhaps his family can find some comfort in it.”

Members of Chavez’s large family were present in the courtroom for sentencing and gave statements to the court.

Chavez’s maternal grandmother read a statement from his younger sister, who was the first to come to Lloyd’s aid after he was shot.

“What happened that night has scarred me for life, and I can’t get it out of my head,” she said. “And I have to live without (Lloyd) every day of my life.”

An aunt told the judge Gallegos was a “callous, hollow, remorseless human who has shown no emotion.” She asked the judge to “give this family the justice we deserve.”

Chief Deputy District Attorney Christopher Gallo tried the case with Deputy District Attorney Gwenn Sandrock.

Sandrock read a statement from Chavez’s paternal grandmother during the June 2 sentencing hearing.

“Without the defendant’s plan and execution of it, my grandson would be alive today. It has been clear to me that he is NOT sorry for what he did. I believe he is only sorry that he got caught. It made me sick to my stomach to see him the day he was found guilty and have no reaction. …

“I am justifiably asking the court that Kenneth Gallegos receive the maximum sentence allowed. Though his sentence will never be enough to compensate for a lifetime without our precious Lloyd, I believe there would be some deserved justice for our family if he is locked away for life. Even with a maximum sentence he gets to live and breathe. Our little Lloyd does not.”

Teen convicted in vape juice killing sentenced to prison was last modified: June 3rd, 2021 by Eric Ross
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Corey Medo

10 years for babysitter who sexually assaulted kids

A Littleton man who sexually assaulted children he was babysitting has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Corey Medo

Corey Medo


Arapahoe District Court Judge Elizabeth Ann Weishaupl sentenced Corey Austin Medo, 23, on May 7. Medo pleaded guilty March 12 to one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Child, a Class 3 felony. Other counts were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

“A person who preys on children entrusted to his care deserves to go to prison,” said District Attorney John Kellner. “Here we have parents trying to do the right thing, screening the person they choose to watch their children. And he takes advantage of his position of trust and molests those youngsters. My office will always pursue these cases aggressively.”

On Nov. 30, 2019, the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation after a Centennial mother reported that her babysitter had sexually assaulted her child.

The investigation revealed the assaults had taken place since March 2018, when the mother had hired Medo after finding him on a babysitting website.

Several families had hired Medo, and he was also a youth basketball coach. Investigators believe he targeted boys between the ages of 7 and 10.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Jacob Kremin.

“Nothing can replace the innocence the defendant stole from the child he was trusted to protect,” Kremin said. “However, this resolution will ensure that he is locked away while the family begins the healing process, and that upon his release, he will be prohibited from having contact with any other child.”

Upon his release from prison, Medo must register as a sex offender.

10 years for babysitter who sexually assaulted kids was last modified: May 13th, 2021 by Eric Ross
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18th Judicial District Attorney

Jury finds defendant guilty in murder of Centennial teen

An Arapahoe County District Court jury late Friday, April 9, found Kenneth Gallegos, 19, of Aurora, guilty of murder in the May 8, 2019, death of Lloyd Chavez. The victim was 18 years old and a student at Cherokee Trail High School when he was killed outside his home in Centennial.

Gallegos was 17 at the time of the crime. Under Colorado law, the mandatory penalty for a juvenile
convicted of a first-class felony is life in prison with the possibility of parole after 40 years.

“This defendant planned this crime and carried it out. When the victim was bleeding on the ground, the defendant did nothing to help him. Lloyd Chavez was killed over vape juice pods, and his life is over because of this defendant,” said District Attorney John Kellner. “I am pleased that the jury came to this verdict in this case. It is hard to think of justice when a young man’s life was taken so violently, but I’m hopeful the victim’s family finds some measure of solace in this verdict.”

Chief Deputy District Attorney Christopher Gallo tried the case with Deputy District Attorney Gwenn Sandrock.

Sentencing is set for June 2.

These are the jury’s guilty verdicts:
Guilty: First-degree murder – felony murder (F1)
Guilty: Aggravated robbery (F3)
Guilty: Conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery (F4)

Jury finds defendant guilty in murder of Centennial teen was last modified: April 9th, 2021 by Eric Ross
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Aaron Schupp

Sex offender gets 12 years for assaulting girls in Centennial pool

A registered sex offender who assaulted two girls in the swimming pool of a townhome complex in Centennial was sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Aaron Schupp

Aaron Schupp

Arapahoe County District Court Judge Ben Leutwyler sentenced Aaron Schupp, 27, on July 27 via Webex. Schupp pleaded guilty in March to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child. Other counts were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

“Let this be another reminder about the ongoing risk that sex offenders pose in our neighborhoods. This vile predator is beyond rehabilitation. Registration appears to be insufficient to protect our kids from the likes of him,” said District Attorney George Brauchler.  “Schupp should be required to wear a sign that announces to everyone ‘I molest little girls.’ Only in prison will he be incapable of victimizing more children.”

On June 5, 2019, Schupp and a coworker were in the pool. They began playing a game in the water with two 12-year-old girls. During the game Schupp sexually assaulted both girls.

The girls and a bystander reported what happened.

“This outcome meant that two children did not have to relive a terrible crime on the stand, in front of strangers,” said Deputy District Attorney Elizabeth Gramer, who prosecuted the case. “The victims are protected and they are getting the help they need. Although we asked for 15 years, they are happy the perpetrator is being punished for what he did to them.”

Sex offender gets 12 years for assaulting girls in Centennial pool was last modified: August 4th, 2020 by Eric Ross
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Rodry Pombo

Former middle school employee sentenced for sex assault on child

The former building manager at Horizon Middle School who sexually assaulted an 8th-grade student was sentenced Wednesday to 15 years in prison.

Rodry Pombo

Rodry Pombo


Arapahoe County District Court Judge Ryan Stuart sentenced Rodry Kyle Pombo, 27, as stipulated by the plea agreement. Pombo pleaded guilty Dec. 9, 2019, to one count of sexual exploitation of a child, a Class 3 felony. Other counts were dismissed.

“These cases keep coming. Despite all we do, predators find ways to take advantage of our children,” said District Attorney George Brauchler. “We drop our kids off at school to be educated in classrooms, not sexually assaulted in janitor closets. What goes on in the mind of a man who whisks a 13-year-old girl into a closet? These are egregious violations – we think our kids are safe when we send then to school, and they should be. This offender is going to prison where he can’t hurt anyone else.”

In late 2018, Aurora Police received information that a girl was sexually assaulted at the middle school over the course of the 2014-15 school year.

Investigators began looking into the allegations and interviewed the girl, who was 13 at the time of the crimes. She told the police she had numerous sexual encounters with Pombo, frequently in janitors’ closets. She had not reported the crimes at the time, but she told investigators she knew the behavior was wrong.

“Sexual predators like Mr. Pombo count on vulnerable victims to keep quiet,” said Senior Deputy District Attorney Danielle Jaramillo, who prosecuted the case. “That’s why so often this crime isn’t discovered until years later, when victims become adults and realize the scope of what was done to them. The defendant used his position as a school employee to take advantage of a student, and it is due to her strength and courage that we are able to put him behind bars so that he won’t be able to do this to another student ever again.”

Pombo resigned his job at the school in September 2015.

The plea agreement means Pombo must register as a sex offender.

Former middle school employee sentenced for sex assault on child was last modified: February 27th, 2020 by Eric Ross
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