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Tag

sex assault

Samuel Young

Jury convicts man who fired at Jeep and hit protesters on Interstate-225 in Aurora

Jury convicts man who fired at Jeep and hit protesters on Interstate-225 in Aurora

Samuel Young

Samuel Young

An Arapahoe County jury convicted Samuel Young, 24, of seven felony charges on Thursday, for the shooting on I-

225 where he fired at a blue Jeep driving past the protest crowd and wounded two bystanders on the side of the roadway.

On July 25, 2020, after a protest demonstration at the Aurora Municipal Center, a crowd of protesters marched onto Alameda Avenue and then Interstate 225. The crowd eventually took over all lanes of traffic on both sides of the interstate and continued marching northbound. Despite attempts to block traffic at several intersections, some motorists still approached the area of the protest crowd which was not authorized to be on the interstate. After the driver of a blue Jeep drove onto the interstate and was intentionally hit by a truck associated with the protest group, he continued driving northbound as some pedestrians threw objects at the Jeep driving in the middle lanes of traffic. Samuel Young stepped from the shoulder of the interstate and fired 5 shots at the Jeep as it tried to drive past the crowd. Two shots hit the back of the Jeep after it drove by the Defendant, and two shots struck and wounded bystanders on the opposite side of the interstate. One victim was struck in the thigh and one victim was hit on the side of the head. The driver and passenger of the blue Jeep were not injured. There were no reports that anyone was injured by the Jeep and it did not exceed the speed limit.

Investigators identified the Defendant, Samuel Young, based on witnesses and pictures from the protest. He admitted he was the suspected shooter after media bulletins were publicized the next day. Investigators collected video footage and pictures from a news helicopter, cell phone cameras, social media sites, stationary traffic cameras, and a drone camera operated by a witness in the protest crowd. The Aurora Police Department and District Attorney’s Office investigated the incident, collecting witness statements, ballistics evidence, and electronic data from the vehicles involved.

Mr. Young pleaded not guilty to all charges and proceeded to jury trial on March 22, 2022. The jury deliberated and returned verdicts on March 31, 2022, finding him guilty of seven counts, including four counts of Attempted Reckless Manslaughter, two counts of Second Degree Assault (heat of passion), and one count of Illegal Discharge of a Firearm.

“This was an irresponsible and reckless decision that put countless lives in danger” District Attorney John Kellner said.  “The Defendant brought a handgun to a protest taking over a major interstate and it’s fortunate that no one was killed by his violent conduct that day.”

Assistant District Attorney Tom Byrnes handled the case with Deputy District Attorney Mike Mauro. Byrnes told the jury “the Defendant’s decision to shoot at the Jeep was intentional and it was reckless to fire his gun 5 times in the direction of the crowd. Those decisions were not justified by any reasonable or legitimate claim that he was defending others.”

 

A sentencing hearing is set for May 17, 2022. Young faces up to 3 years in prison on each of the Attempted Manslaughter charges and the Illegal Discharge conviction, and up to 4 years for the Second Degree Assault convictions.

The Honorable District Court Judge Ben Leutwyler presided over the jury trial.

Jury convicts man who fired at Jeep and hit protesters on Interstate-225 in Aurora was last modified: April 1st, 2022 by Steve Selby
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Man sentenced to 200 years to life in prison for sexually assaulting three children

Man sentenced to 200 years to life in prison for sexually assaulting three children

Brian Eugene Barcelona


An Arapahoe County District Court Judge sentenced Brian Eugene Barcelona, 35, to 200 years to life in prison for sexually assaulting three children as part of a pattern of abuse that spanned a 4-year period.
On August 26, 2018, the Aurora Police Department began an investigation after an Aurora father reported that his son had been sexually assaulted by his adult cousin. Investigators discovered that, between 2015 and 2018, Barcelona had repeatedly sexually assaulted the boy and his two siblings whose ages ranged between 10 and 13. Investigators also found photographs of the sexual abuse on Barcelona’s cell phone when he was arrested. Barcelona pleaded not guilty to the charges that followed, and the case proceeded to trial on October 25, 2021.
Following a 7-day jury trial, Barcelona was found guilty of 12 counts of sexual assault of a child by one in a position of trust, and four counts sexual exploitation of a child.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Danielle Jaramillo, who tried the case with Deputy District Attorney Abby Hegarty, put the defendant’s conduct into context. “In all my years of prosecuting these types of cases, I struggle to recall another one involving such severe abuse or brazen conduct,” Jaramillo said. “The defendant felt so secure in his ability to exploit his position of trust to silence these children that he actually kept photographs as trophies.”
The honorable Judge Joseph Whitfield, who presided over the trial, noted the long-lasting impact that the Barcelona’s actions are likely to have on the victims and their family before imposing the sentences consecutively, effectively ensuring a life sentence.
“This predator selfishly sacrificed the well-being of his own relatives to satisfy his depraved desires,” District Attorney John Kellner said. “I am grateful for the bravery of these young victims who came forward to put a stop to his destructive manipulation.”

Man sentenced to 200 years to life in prison for sexually assaulting three children was last modified: March 22nd, 2022 by Alberto Borrero
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Gustavo Andazola-Burciaga

Child sex offender sentenced to 126 years to life in prison

A previously convicted sex offender will spend the rest of his life in prison after sexually assaulting two young girls in Aurora.

Gustavo Andazola-Burciaga

Gustavo Andazola-Burciaga


On Aug. 12, Arapahoe County District Court Judge Eric White sentenced Gustavo Andazola-Burciaga, 54, to an indeterminate sentence of 126 years to life in the Colorado Department of Corrections.

A jury in May convicted Andazola-Burciaga of five counts of “sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust as part of a pattern of abuse,” and one count of “attempted sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust” after a five-day trial.

“Our children are our most prized assets and also some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. By nature they are trusting and generous,” said District Attorney John Kellner. “Those who choose to target these precious little ones are among the worst offenders we see, and I am glad the court has chosen to sentence this defendant as such.”

In October 2017, the defendant was sentenced to prison in an Adams County human trafficking case involving a 14-year-old girl that generated media interest and prompted two other victims to come forward. These victims were ages six and seven when, in 2010, Andazola-Burciaga repeatedly molested them at his home in Aurora. At trial, yet another victim testified to being sexually assaulted by the defendant when she was nine in Denver in 2006.

“This defendant is one of the worst perpetrators our community has seen,” said Deputy District Attorney Michael Mauro, who tried the case with Senior Deputy District Attorney Danielle Jaramillo. “His decision to act on sick and selfish desires robbed his victims of their innocence and did lasting damage to their self-esteem and sense of security. After more than a decade of justice deferred, the court’s sentence does what nothing previously has done: It protects children everywhere from ever being victimized by this defendant again.”

Child sex offender sentenced to 126 years to life in prison was last modified: August 19th, 2021 by Eric Ross
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Tre Carrasco

Arapahoe judge sentences serial rapist to 136 years to life in prison

An Arapahoe County District Court judge has sentenced a serial rapist to 136 years to life in prison.

Tre Carrasco

Tre Carrasco


“I am fully convinced, 100 percent, that there is no woman safe in America if you are out of prison,” Judge Ben Leutwyler told Tre Carrasco. “You will continue to rape people … because you want what you want, and nothing will stand in the way except the government.

“You are a threat to every female in our country … and I must do what I can to promote community safety.”

An Arapahoe County jury on May 13 found Carrasco, 26, guilty in cases in Aurora and Cherry Hills Village after a five-day trial.

During the July 9 sentencing hearing, Deputy District Attorney Casey Brown recounted Carrasco’s history of sexual assaults and lack of any interest in rehabilitation in asking the judge for a lengthy sentence.

“This defendant is a predator … This is not a defendant who can exist out in society without perpetrating on women,” Brown said. “He feels entitled to his victims, and he has left a wake of destruction behind him.”

Carrasco was in prison for a sexual assault in Kansas. He was released and within days was accused of another sexual assault. He fled to Colorado.

On Feb. 7, 2019, Carrasco tried to kidnap a woman in the parking lot of a fitness club in Aurora. She got away, but he stole her car.

Then, on Feb. 12, 2019, Carrasco drove that car to a home in Cherry Hills Village where he raped a woman at knifepoint. He was arrested about five hours later in the same car stolen in Aurora.

The cases were prosecuted by Brown and Chief Deputy District Attorney Christopher Gallo.

The jury found Carrasco guilty of:
• 2nd-degree kidnapping, with a deadly weapon
• Sexual assault, with a deadly weapon
• Burglary, with a deadly weapon
• Aggravated robbery, with a deadly weapon
• Two counts of aggravated motor vehicle theft
• Two counts of Criminal trespass
• Attempt to influence a public servant
• False reporting
• Driving a motor vehicle without a license

“This sentence will keep a dangerous predator off the streets and in prison, where he belongs,” said District Attorney John Kellner. “Perhaps his victims can take a small measure of comfort in knowing that their cooperation and testimony has led to this result.”

Arapahoe judge sentences serial rapist to 136 years to life in prison was last modified: July 12th, 2021 by Eric Ross
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18th Judicial District Attorney

Jury finds serial rapist guilty of crimes in Aurora, Cherry Hills Village

An Arapahoe County jury today found a serial rapist guilty in cases in Aurora and Cherry Hills Village.

Tre Miekale Carrasco, 26 was found guilty of 11 counts including sexual assault. The jury returned its verdict May 13 after a five-day trial before Arapahoe District Court Judge Ben Leutwyler.

“This is a dangerous predator who should be incarcerated to keep him off the streets and keep our community safe,” said District Attorney John Kellner. “He was in prison for similar acts in Kansas. He got out of prison and within days committed a new offense there. Within two weeks of his release, he came here to Colorado and continued his violent crimes. I am grateful to this jury for their work, as these verdicts will help us keep this serial rapist behind bars.”

On Feb. 7, 2019, Carrasco tried to kidnap a woman in the parking lot of a fitness club in Aurora. She got away, but he stole her car.

Then, on Feb. 12, 2019, Carrasco drove that car to a home in Cherry Hills Village where he raped a woman at knifepoint. He was arrested about five hours later in the same car stolen in Aurora.

The case was prosecuted by Chief Deputy District Attorney Christopher Gallo and Deputy District Attorney Casey Brown.

The jury found Carrasco guilty of:

* 2nd-degree kidnapping, with a deadly weapon
* Sexual assault, with a deadly weapon
* Burglary, with a deadly weapon
* Aggravated robbery, with a deadly weapon
* Two counts of aggravated motor vehicle theft
* Two counts of criminal trespass
* Attempt to influence a public servant
* False reporting
* Driving a motor vehicle without a license

Sentencing is set for July 8. Carrasco faces a mandatory prison sentence for the commission of crimes of violence, as well as sentencing as a sexual offender.

Jury finds serial rapist guilty of crimes in Aurora, Cherry Hills Village was last modified: May 13th, 2021 by Eric Ross
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22 years in prison for Aurora man who sexually assaulted boy

An Aurora man who videotaped himself sexually assaulting teenage boys was sentenced Monday to 22 years to life in prison.

Andrew Brian Sandoval


Arapahoe District Court Judge Shay Whitaker sentenced Andrew Brian Sandoval, 51, after he pleaded guilty Feb. 22 to one count of sexual assault on a child – pattern of abuse, a Class 3 felony. Other charges were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

“Those who prey on our children tear the fabric of our society, which is trained to protect our most vulnerable members at all costs,” said District Attorney John Kellner. “This defendant was found to have dozens of videos of himself with teenage boys in his home. Problems with identification and cooperation meant we could only bring a case with one victim, but that is one too many. The life of the young victim is forever altered, as is that of his family. This defendant deserves a harsh sentence for his crimes.”

The crimes came to light when the mother of the 13-year-old victim found disturbing text messages on his phone and contacted Aurora police.

“This defendant did this on a regular basis – he meets boys online, picks them up, brings them to his house and then films them engaged in sex acts with him,” Senior Deputy District Attorney Jake Adkins said during sentencing April 19. “This was his choice and his actions, and he did this over and over.”

The mother of the victim also spoke during sentencing.

“A grown man enticed and lured a child for his sexual gratification – he is a sick and disgusting predator,” the mother told the judge. “Such disgusting acts of a predator can never be forgiven. We will be living with this forever.”

Judge Whitaker acknowledged that the defendant had no prior criminal history.

“But the facts are pretty horrific in this case,” she said. “It was a prolonged process committed numerous times, over time … There were calculated actions and activities. It was thought out and planned.”

An indeterminate sentence means that Sandoval will serve at least 22 years in the Department of Corrections. After that, he will be released only if he is deemed to have successfully completed treatment and is no longer a danger. If and when he is released, he must register as a sex offender for life and remain on parole for 20 years to life.

22 years in prison for Aurora man who sexually assaulted boy was last modified: April 21st, 2021 by Eric Ross
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Erik McDaugale

Convicted sex offender gets 80 years for sex assault on child

A convicted sex offender who filmed himself sexually assaulting a 5-year-old girl was sentenced last week to 80 years in prison.

Erik McDaugale

Erik McDaugale


Arapahoe County District Court Judge Darren Vahle sentenced Erik McDaugale, 31, of Aurora to 80 years in the Department of Corrections. McDaugale, who had prior child sex assault convictions, pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual exploitation of a child on Oct. 23, 2020. Other counts were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

“Crimes against children are some of the most difficult cases we prosecute,” said District Attorney John Kellner. “These are trusting victims, who often don’t understand the crimes being committed and don’t know to seek help. The predators in our communities target them for those reasons, and we have to take measures to keep those predators away from our kids.”

In the spring of 2019, the Colorado Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Aurora police traced child pornography videos and images back to McDaugale, who was living in the basement of an acquaintance. There was an active arrest warrant for McDaugale for failing to register as a sex offender. He had been sexually assaulting a child in the home and sharing videos and photos of the assaults online.

“This is conduct of the most appalling and egregious nature. This defendant repeatedly sexually abused a 5-year-old girl, grooming her for this purpose. He recorded this sexual abuse so he could relive it again and again and again – and he shared this with others who shared his perversion to sexually abuse children,” said Deputy District Attorney James Bornhoft, who prosecuted the case. “There is no sentence harsh enough for any of these actions in singularity, much less for all of these actions taken together. All I can say is this plea agreement will make sure that this defendant doesn’t step foot in society again.”

Vahle noted the sentence was harsh but said it was appropriate.

“What you have done are terrible things,” he told McDaugale as he imposed the sentence Jan. 15. “Child pornography revictimizes the children you have already harmed – and it creates a new obsession/perversion in other people – you are part of the cycle that will cause victimization of another child. You cannot ever be near children.”

Convicted sex offender gets 80 years for sex assault on child was last modified: January 20th, 2021 by Eric Ross
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Paul E. Nader

48-year sentence for kidnapping, sex assault in Douglas County

A convicted sex offender who kidnapped, beat and sexually assaulted a woman in Douglas County was sentenced Monday to 48 years in prison.

Paul E. Nader

Paul E. Nader


Douglas County District Court Judge Patricia Herron sentenced Paul E. Nader, 32, after he pleaded guilty to first-degree assault and aggravated robbery. The Sept. 23, 2020, plea agreement also included 2 sentence enhancers for the crimes of violence.

“This defendant is unfit to be in society and unable to participate in the world,” the victim told the judge during sentencing Jan. 4, 2021, via Webex. “Each sex assault case is worse than the prior. I highly doubt the next victim will be as lucky as me.”

She added: “I have and will continue to thrive after being kidnapped, beaten and sexually assaulted. Others might not be so lucky. … I did what I did so it couldn’t happen to anyone else.”

On Aug. 14, 2018, Lone Tree police responded to a coffee shop to investigate a reported kidnapping. Witnesses said they saw a man force a woman into her own vehicle and drive off with her.

A short time later, Douglas County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a gas station. Witnesses reported seeing a man and woman get out of a vehicle. When the man wasn’t looking, the woman mouthed “Call 911.” A passerby did just that.

The subsequent investigation revealed the man approached the woman in the parking lot with a knife. He physically and sexually assaulted her in the vehicle until he stopped at the gas station, where she was able to get help.

Nader was living in Colorado Springs as a registered sex offender after a 2013 conviction in Jefferson County.

“For what the victim went through that day, no sentence is enough,” Senior Deputy District Attorney Brian Eckhardt told the judge during sentencing. “She speaks of her ordeal more eloquently than I am able to.”

Eckhardt prosecuted the case with Senior Deputy District Attorney Valerie Brewster.

“The victim here is a study in courage and persistence. Despite enduring unimaginable terror, she kept her wits, escaped her captor, assisted in his capture and finally saw him brought to justice through this prosecution,” said District Attorney George Brauchler. “This defendant and his outrageous conduct … this is why we build prisons. For those of the ‘everyone can be rehabilitated’ delusion, what possible classes, coloring books, or educational opportunities will fix a person who engages in this evil?”

48-year sentence for kidnapping, sex assault in Douglas County was last modified: January 6th, 2021 by Eric Ross
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17 years in prison for school employee who preyed on students

A former school employee who preyed on five girls at Rangeview High School was sentenced to 17 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections.

James Dolmas


James Dolmas, 29, was employed as a hall monitor and theater assistant at the school. He used his position to gain the trust of underage girls, then solicited and exchanged sexually exploitative photos with them, had unlawful sexual contact with some of them and had sex in the school with one of the students. He derived sexual pleasure from violence, and the sexual contacts left physical marks on the girls. He was arrested in July 2019.

He pleaded guilty Aug. 10, 2020, to two counts sexual exploitation of a child, a Class 3 felony. Other counts against him were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

Prosecutors asked for 20 years in prison, the maximum sentenced allowed under the plea agreement.

“This defendant sexually assaulted four girls. … These are not mistakes – these are crimes. And he asked the victims to help him cover up his actions,” Deputy District Attorney Elizabeth Gramer said in her sentencing argument on Nov. 24. “He physically and sexually abused them. He started very manipulative relationships with these victims. … He got them used to pain, because he found that arousing. He did this at the school to students. It was about power and control.”

Many of the victims and their families also spoke via Webex during sentencing.

“What he did using his position of trust left me feeling that I was the one who did something wrong. I did trust him, and I was vulnerable,” one victim said. “I was too terrified and ashamed to tell anyone.”

“It is soul-crushing to know you were unable to protect your child,” one mother said. “The school should be a safe place.”

She asked Arapahoe County District Court Judge Shay Whitaker to impose lengthy time in prison.

“The sexual contact and the volume of actions and number of girls is very concerning. But what is most disturbing is the violence,” Whitaker said. “He preyed on these girls.”

“There is a line in the sand, and no matter what students do, it is the adults’ responsibility to stand hard and fast on the right side of that line. A violation of that trust is shattering.”

She imposed a sentence of 17 years in the Department of Corrections.

District Attorney George Brauchler praised the sentence and added a precautionary note.

“Here is yet another school employee who treats our schools like they are a candy shop. How can our system craft an appropriate sentence for the exploitation of innocent children for lascivious personal satisfaction? Yes, prison protects our children for a while, but when this criminal is released, he will still harbor the cravings that put kids at risk,” Brauchler said. “Coloradans should know that there are those in the legislature who intend to further weaken the laws that protect our kids from sexual deviants. When they launch their bills next year, tell them how you feel about choosing offenders over victims.”

17 years in prison for school employee who preyed on students was last modified: November 27th, 2020 by Eric Ross
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Craig Debiase

Former teacher, coach sentenced for sexually assaulting student

A former teacher and coach was sentenced to 10 years in prison for sexually assaulting one of his students.

Craig Debiase

Craig Debiase


Arapahoe District Court Judge John Scipione sentenced Craig Debiase, 57, on Oct. 16. He pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child, a Class 3 felony; other counts were dismissed as part of the plea agreement. Debiase is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence for abusing another student at Bishop Machebeuf High School. The new sentence will run consecutive to the previous sentence.

“Another predator at a local school uses his position of trust and — disgustingly — his religious faith to manipulate and victimize another student. The undeniable courage of the victim in this case to come forward and face the adult who treated her like a body to be exploited made all the difference here,” said District Attorney George Brauchler. “I hope it inspires others to come forward who were victimized in their youth. There must be consequences for this selfish, destructive conduct. Our system can only sentence him to prison. The Almighty likely has many other resources.”

The victim was 17 years old when Debiase began a sexual relationship with her in 1997. She came forward in November 2019 to report the crime after she saw news reports of Debiase being sentenced for similar sex crimes against another juvenile victim.

“I was 17 when a likeable, charismatic and charming pedophile manipulated me, seduced me and rendered me silent. He was the baseball coach at my high school. His name is Craig Debiase,” the victim told the court in her impact statement submitted prior to sentencing.

She described how Debiase gained her trust and her silence. He started seeing her at his house during Bible studies; he bought her clothes and jewelry and took her to movies and out to dinner. At one point he even gave her an engagement ring.
“I now understand this was his way of grooming me,” the 40-year-old woman told the judge. “I now see that relationship as manipulation and abuse at the hands of an adult who worked at my school. …

“I now believe that Craig came to my school to seek out young girls to manipulate and abuse for his own sick satisfaction. Coming to this realization all these years later has triggered feelings of shame, humiliation, terrible anxiety and self-loathing,” she told the court in her statement. “It took another courageous victim to come forward and say how he abused her for me to finally see how wrong that situation I was in all those years ago really was. I am so grateful that she did. Craig can’t manipulate me anymore. I fear that there are other young women that Craig chose to victimize, and I hope that if they hear about me, they find the courage to speak up.”

Accusations about Debiase and other underage victims surfaced in 2005. He entered into a plea agreement and ultimately served less than two years in prison at that time. He was a registered sex offender and had completed “sex offender intensive supervised probation” when he was sentenced again in 2019.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Danielle Jaramillo prosecuted both cases against Debiase in Arapahoe County.

“This defendant not only used his position as a school teacher and coach, but he also used religion as a way to gain access to his victims. Over a 20-year span, this man made a career of preying on the vulnerable. The number of victims we have identified so far is astounding, and the deeper we dig the more we find. Thankfully, he is no longer in a position to continue hurting children,” Jaramillo said. “Parents deserve to know that when they send their children to school, those children will be safe.”

Former teacher, coach sentenced for sexually assaulting student was last modified: October 26th, 2020 by Eric Ross
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