Attorney General announces 40-year prison sentence for Ponzi schemer the FBI extradited to Colorado

Colorado Attorney General John Suthers announced today that a Douglas County District Court judge has sentenced William L. Walters (DOB: 1/30/1965), whom the Federal Bureau of Investigation extradited from Buenos Aires, Argentina, to face a series of securities fraud charges stemming from a 2007 indictment, to 40 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections. The judge also ordered Walters to pay $9.5 million in restitution.

“This sentence underlines our commitment to vigorously pursue and prosecute cases of financial fraud that victimize Coloradans,” Suthers said. “Our thanks to the FBI for helping us to ensure that justice delayed did not result in justice denied for Mr. Walters’ victims.”

Former Garfield County Man Sentenced for Making Interstate Threats and Failing to Register as a Sex Offender

Jamie Durell Lake, age 49, formerly of Garfield County, Colorado, was sentenced to serve 120 months (10 years) in federal prison for making an interstate threatening communication and for failing to register as a sex offender, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service and the FBI announced today. Lake was sentenced on April 20, 2011 by U.S. District Judge Christine M. Arguello. Following his 10 year sentence, Lake is to spend 3 years on supervised release, with conditions that he receive sex offender treatment and not contact the victim in the case. Lake appeared at the sentencing in custody, and was remanded at the end of the hearing.

Adams County Late Night Chase

Adams County deputies arrested 2 suspects that were allegedly involved in a car theft incident at Briarwood Apartments. The response then turn into a chase that ended with reportedly several deputies sustaining minor injuries and arresting 2 and a 3rd suspect is in the hospital.

Earl Moore Makes Initial Appearance in U.S. District Court in Denver

Earl Albert Moore, age 65, of Denver, appeared this afternoon in U.S. District Court in Denver. He was advised of the charge pending against him by U.S. Magistrate Judge Craig Shaffer, as well as the penalties associated with that charge. Moore was represented by a federal public defender at the hearing. Moore is next expected in court on May 6, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. for a detention hearing. Following the hearing the defendant was remanded into custody pending that detention hearing.

Commerce City Police: Walmart didn't report previous eye doctor allegation

Man Believed to be Responsible for Planting Explosive Device at Southwest Plaza Mall Charged with Arson

Earl Albert Moore, age 65, of Denver, was arrested yesterday morning without incident by Boulder Police Officers following a tip from a grocery store employee for allegedly placing an explosive device at the Southwest Plaza Mall, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office announced. The arrests ends a nationwide manhunt for Moore. Moore is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Denver at 2:00 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Craig Shaffer, where he will be advised of the charges pending against him.

9NEWS: "COMMERCE CITY - Walmart eye doctor investigated over molestation claim"

Commissioner Revokes Certificate of Authority for Bail Bond and Surety Company; Minnesota Surety and Trust Fined $1,200,000

The Colorado Division of Insurance has revoked the Certificate of Authority for Minnesota Surety and Trust Company, an insurer which was authorized to conduct business in the state of Colorado.

Attorney General announces $1 million judgment against Centennial mortgage broker Leo Shifrin and his brokerage companies

Colorado Attorney General John Suthers announced today that a Denver District Court judge has ordered a Centennial mortgage broker and his mortgage brokerage companies to pay nearly $1 million in civil penalties, consumer restitution and disgorgement for engaging in deceptive advertising and fraudulent loan-origination practices. The ruling against Leo Shifrin and his companies also bars them from engaging in loan origination in Colorado. The judge also awarded the Office of the Attorney General attorneys fees and costs related to prosecuting the case.

Thornton Police Department notified of a suspicious device...

On 04-25-2011, at approximately 8:26 am, the Thornton Police Department was notified of a suspicious device located in a City of Thornton trash truck. The trash truck had stopped behind the Sunrise Shopping Center, 9131 N. Washington Street, when the driver observed a suspicious device in a trash bag in the rear of his trash truck. The device appeared to be approximately 8” inches long and appeared to have a fuse protruding from one end, according to the witness. The Adams County Bomb Squad responded and rendered the device safe. The device is undergoing further testing to determine whether it was a functional explosive device or not.

It is unknown at this time where and when the trash containing the device was placed into the trash truck. The trash truck’s route was located in the south Thornton area.

As a precautionary measure several Thornton schools were placed on lockout until the device was rendered safe.

This case remains an active investigation.

FBI Manhunt - Suspect Considered Dangerous

Update: Suspect was arrested...

Earl Albert Moore is wanted for the attempted placing of a destructive device at Southwest Plaza Mall in Jefferson County...

Albert Moore, 65 years of age, white male, approximately 200-225 lbs, 6’0” - 6’2” in height, bald, with a gray mustache, and multiple tattoos. Moore is wanted for the attempted placing of a destructive device in the incident that occurred at the Southwest Plaza Mall on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 in unincorporated Jefferson County, Colorado.

Moore is considered armed and dangerous and has an extensive criminal background. The public is urged to call 9-1-1 if they know the whereabouts of Moore or the Jeffco Tip Line at (303) 271-5615 to provide information.

While law enforcement efforts are still underway in the Denver metropolitan area to locate Moore, the FBI is now conducting a nationwide manhunt for this individual.

Suspect Wanted for Questioning in Southwest Plaza Mall Investigation

In a joint effort, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, ATF, and the FBI in Denver are investigating an incident that occurred at the Southwest Plaza Mall at approximately noon on Wednesday, April 20, 2011.

A person of interest has been spotted on surveillance video and law enforcement is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying this individual.

The subject is described as a white male with graying hair, a silver mustache, wearing a dark-colored cap with a light-colored logo on the front, gray and white horizontally striped shirt, dark jacket with silver buttons, blue jeans, and dark colored shoes.

The photograph were provided from the Regional Transportation District (RTD) Police Department. The photographs show the possible suspect as he rode on an RTD bus on the evening of Tuesday, April 19, 2011. The bus left north-bound on Wadsworth Blvd. from the Southwest Plaza Mall at approximately 8:30 p.m.

Contact the Jeffco Tip Line at 303-271-5615 to provide information on the possible suspect.

Active AMBER Alerts - Missing Children: Celena Romero & Charlie Romero

UPDATE: Children are found safe.
The 7 and 11 year-old children disappeared from a bus stop on the 9400 block of Elm Court, Federal Heights Colorado. It is possible the children were taken by their biological mother, Tammy Rees-Romero and her boyfriend, Jacob Lake-Sahm. They are believed to be traveling in a 1997 maroon Mercury sedan with CO tags: 618-SZM. Children had extra clothing in back packs when they went to school today. Officers found .38 ammunition and moving boxes at mothers home when attempting to locate children. Missing From Federal Heights, CO.

If you have information, please contact Federal Heights Police Department, 303-428-8833

Missing Child - Celena Romero
Hair Color: Blonde Eye Color: Green
Skin Color: White Age: 11
Height: 5'1 Weight: 90 lbs.
Gender: Female
Description: Last seen wearing a black jacket with jeans.

Missing Child - Charlie Romero
Hair Color: Blonde Eye Color: Blue
Skin Color: White Age: 7
Height: 4'3 Weight: 50 lbs.
Gender: Male
Description: Last seen wearing a Denver Broncos jacket with jeans. Hair is shaved on sides with a mohawk.

Suspect Name: Jacob Lawrence Lake-Sahm
Hair Color: Brown Eye Color: Brown
Skin Color: White Age: 22
Height: 5'8 Weight: 130 lbs.
Gender: Male
Description: Short beard.

Suspect Name: Tammy Anne Rees-Romero
Hair Color: Red Eye Color: Hazel
Skin Color: White Age: 35
Height: 5'3 Weight: 140 lbs.
Gender: Female

Vehicle Information
Make: Mercury Model
Color: Maroon
License State: CO License Text: 618-SZM

Brighton Police Make Arrests in Library Vandalism

Brighton Police Department has identified 3 suspects, suspected of being responsible for multiple cases of Felony Criminal Mischief and Graffiti throughout the city earlier the year. Through video surveillance, information from Denver Crimestoppers, witness accounts, and cooperation with other police agencies, including Arvada Police Department, two adults and one juvenile, have been arrested.

Earlier this year several large plate glass windows at the Rangeview Anythink Library were shot out, to the extent the windows had to be replaced at the cost of more than $9,500.00.

In addition to the library, four local businesses along Bridge Street were also victimized, including, Santiago’s Restaurant, Curves, Brighton Florist and Dr. Fair Optometrist. Bromley East Charter School also suffered shot out windows as well as three cars parked along city streets.

Investigation of several Graffiti crimes led to information involving the shot out windows.

The suspects were determined to live outside Brighton in Arvada, Thornton and Westminster.

Investigators found the suspects may also be responsible for graffiti damage at E-470 and Riverdale Road. Adams County investigators are currently working with our detective for charges.

The investigation will be reviewed by the District Attorney’s Office on Friday, April 21. Evidence will be presented to support charges including, Felony Criminal Mischief and Contributing to the Delinquency of the Minor. Several charges of Graffiti may also be filed in Brighton Municipal Court.

Arrested were:
Jerry Brown II, 24 years old, 98th Avenue in Westminster,
Diego Luna, 18 years old, Otis St in Arvada,
A 16 year old resident of Thornton was also arrested.

DA Quick decided to request the appointment of a special prosecutor for Alice Nichol case...

17th Judicial District Attorney Don Quick and Adams County Sheriff Doug Darr announce today that the investigation regarding allegations of financial impropriety involving Adams County Commissioner Alice Nichol has been completed. After a thorough investigation, where documents were received as recently as last week, by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office, DA Quick decided to request the appointment of a special prosecutor to the case. “After serving over 23 years as a prosecutor, I know how critical it is that the public has trust and confidence in decisions being made by public officials – this is especially true for prosecutors. Given the information made public recently about Adams County and its officials, it is important that our citizens have faith in the process involving this commissioner and this case”, says DA Quick.

Attorney General announces indictment against Frisco Holiday Inn, its owner and employees on suspicion of exposing guests to asbestos

Colorado Attorney General John Suthers announced today that his office has obtained an indictment against four Coloradans and two businesses, New Vision Hotels and NVH Construction, on suspicion that they failed to properly abate and dispose of asbestos at a Frisco hotel. Because of their alleged actions, two dozen individuals who worked at and stayed at the hotel were exposed to asbestos.

“Ho Hum Bandit” Arrested in Colorado

Adam Lynch, age 34, also known as the “Ho Hum Bandit,” was arrested late Monday, April 18, 2011, in Denver by members of the FBI-led Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force, United States Attorney John Walsh and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge James Yacone announced today. Lynch will likely make his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Denver tomorrow.

Pedestrian Killed Identified

UPDATE: Authorities say the pedestrian killed on Interstate 25 north in Thornton has been identified as a 48-year-old Thornton resident Bradley Malone Calhoun after he was hit by a tractor-trailer.

On 04-15-2011, at approximately 5:02 am, Thornton Police and Fire Department were notified of an injury accident occurring in the northbound lanes of the 12100 block of I-25. Officers located a deceased male lying in the roadway.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the pedestrian entered the northbound highway lanes from the center median barrier area. Witnesses observed the victim rolling on the roadway into the path of oncoming traffic. The victim was struck by a northbound semi-tractor trailer. The semi driver immediately stopped and awaited emergency personnel. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. The victim has not been positively identified at this time. Investigators do not believe that drugs or alcohol were involved with the driver of the semi tractor trailer.

The case remains an active investigation by the Thornton Police Traffic Accident Investigation Team.

The Thornton Police Department is asking for the public assistance with this case. If anyone observed the victim on the highway prior to being struck by the northbound vehicle or if someone knows the identity of the victim they are asked to call the Thornton Police Department at 720-977-5150.

Second Suicide at the Adams County Jail...

It has been reported that 29-year-old Dominic Artino has committed suicide in the Adams County Jail. Artino was discovered by deputies who reportedly hung himself by a bed sheet. Artino had been in the Adams County Jail since January 7th because of a domestic-violence investigation.

Weld County sheriff's deputies looking for stolen Machinery

Geiger Construction is missing a backhoe/front-end loader and is offered a $5,000 reward to anyone with information about the crime, arrest and conviction of suspects. The crime is reported to have taken place near Weld County Roads 27 and 4. The piece of machinery was taken from anytime of late April 2nd to April 4th.

Any information Call Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477, visit or call deputy Mike Knee at 970-356-4015, ext. 4112.

Three-vehicle fatal crash in Adams County

This morning at 7:53A.M. Colorado State Troopers responded to a three-vehicle fatal crash in Adams County.

A white 2007 Ford F-450 pick-up was traveling eastbound Colorado 224/ 70th Avenue just east of Washington Street when it crossed into the westbound lane. A 2003 Peterbuilt semi truck hauling sand was traveling westbound Colorado 224/ 70th Avenue. The semi attempted to avoid the Ford, however was sideswiped by the Ford and then traveled into the eastbound lane. A red 1994 Acura 2-door traveling eastbound Colorado 224/ 70th Avenue was struck by the westbound semi. The semi continued off the south side of the roadway over the guardrail and rolled onto its left side.

The driver of the Acura, Christopher Goetzfried, age 24 of Denver was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the semi, Lisa Goodman, age 58 of Ft. Lupton was transported to Denver Health with serious injuries. The driver of the Ford, Aaron Alloway, age 37 of Denver was uninjured in the crash.

This crash remains under investigation.

Commerce City Coffee with a Cop 2011 Schedule...

Come meet Commerce City’s finest. Each month, members from Commerce City’s Police Department will visit a local coffee shop to discuss the issues that are important or of interest to you. Come have a cup of coffee with us!

Area residents, business owners and organizations are invited to chat with Commerce City Police Department staff in a casual atmosphere – and you pick the topic. Here is this year’s schedule for Coffee with a Cop – hope you can make one or more of these events:

Volunteers Needed for Commerce City’s Victims Support Unit

outreach part of national crime victims’ rights week celebration

COMMERCE CITY – With 20 million Americans victims of crime each year, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (April 10 – April 16) seeks to support those affected by crime and raise awareness of available programs and services. Last year, Commerce City served nearly 740 victims of crime and is using the celebration to solicit community volunteers for its Victims Support Unit and to raise funds to restock needed supplies.

Police Blotter...

Several women were cited for disorderly conduct March 26 in connection with an altercation over a barking dog. Officers were dispatched at 10:24 p.m. to the 6100 block of Oneida Street in reference to a felony menacing situation, possibly involving a knife. A neighbor taped the entire incident on a surveillance video. Officers reviewed the tape before handing out citations.

A 42-year-old Commerce City woman was issued a citation March 24 for animal neglect. Police were dispatched at 1:28 p.m. to a house on the 6400 block of Quebec Street on an animal abuse call. An officer stated a small Chihuahua was tied up to a hose faucet, without a leash. It also had no food or shelter. The dog was taken to the animal shelter.

A 31-year-old Brighton man was arrested March 22 after he assaulted a woman at a restaurant. Officers were dispatched at 2:15 a.m. to Denny's, 350 E. 104th Ave., on a report of a disturbance. Witnesses say the suspect threw a coffee cup in a woman's face and fled the area. Police found him hiding in an alley.

Attorney General announces indictment against Colorado Springs man suspected of failing to pay taxes

Colorado Attorney General John Suthers announced today that the Statewide Grand Jury has returned an indictment against Douglas Bruce (DOB: 8/26/1949) of Colorado Springs for failing to pay taxes on income he earned during the 2005, 2006 and 2007 tax years.

According to the four-count indictment, Bruce is suspected of attempting to evade his tax responsibilities by funneling his income into the coffers of Active Citizens Together, a nonprofit he created in 2001, and failing to report such income to the Department of Revenue. Bruce is suspected of filing a false tax return on income he earned during the 2005 tax year and failing to file a tax return concerning income he earned during the 2006 and 2007 tax years.

Female Inmate Reportedly Commits Suicide

A female inmate has been reported as committed suicide in the Adams County Jail. The 28-year-old, whose name has not been released pending notification of relatives, was taken to an area hospital April 3 and died the next day. There is an ongoing investigation. The woman had been booked into the jail on five unspecified charges, two of which were felonies.

Sexual Exploitation of a Child

On 04-07-2011, at approximately 12:21 pm, Thornton Police Detectives arrested Brandon Marinus Leyte, for Sexual Exploitation of a Child, a Class 4 Felony. On March 21st, 2011, Denver Police Department, Crimes against Children Unit, notified the Thornton Police Department that an individual residing in Thornton was suspected of possessing child pornography on his personal computer. Thornton Police obtained a search warrant for the suspect’s computer and discovered it contained digital images and documents of alleged child pornography.

Arrested for investigation of Sexual Exploitation of a Child was:

Brandon Marinus Leyte Date of Birth: 06-04-1991
8778 Osage Street, Apt. # 12-C
Thornton, CO 80221

The suspect is an employee of the Adams County School District #12. Investigators have no reason to believe that the child pornography involved any victims at the suspect’s place of employment, nor do they believe any of these images were taken on school property.

This case is a joint investigation between the Thornton Police Department and the Denver Police Department’s, Crime against Children Unit. Anyone with additional information about this case should contact the Thornton Police Department at 720-977-5150.

United Express Pilot Appears in Federal Court in Denver

Aaron Jason Cope, age 32, the United Express pilot who was indicted for flying while intoxicated, appeared in U.S. District Court in Denver this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Watanabe. Cope was advised of the criminal charge pending against him and the associated penalty. He was also arraigned. Cope appeared at today’s hearing with private counsel. A tentative trial date of June 6, 2011 has been set by U.S. District Court Judge Philip A. Brimmer. The defendant is free on a personal recognizance bond.

Cope faces one count of unlawfully operating and directing the operation of a commercial aircraft while under the influence of alcohol. If convicted, he faces not more than 15 years in federal prison and up to a $250,000 fine.

The charge against Cope is an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Commerce City: Highway Closed After Serious Crash

COMMERCE CITY ― Shortly after 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday night, officers from the Commerce City Police Department responded to an injury accident in the 7500 block of State Highway 2. They found three vehicles involved in the crash, one of which was on fire.

The investigation revealed an older Volvo sedan was southbound on Highway 2 when it collided with a van that was also traveling southbound. The impact caused the van to roll off the highway and it caught fire. The driver was able to escape the vehicle and sustained injuries from the fire. The sedan also struck a northbound pickup truck.

The 23 year old driver of the Volvo sedan and his passenger were transported to the hospital with serious but non life-threatening injuries.

Alcohol and speed are suspected factors in this crash. The investigation is ongoing and criminal charges will be determined at a later time.

The highway was shut down for approximately six hours while the incident was investigated. It was reopened at 5:30 a.m.

Internet Crime Complaint Center's (IC3) Scam Alerts

This report, which is based upon information from law enforcement and complaints submitted to the IC3, details recent cyber crime trends and new twists to previously-existing cyber scams. Automated Clearing House (ACH) Spam

National Distracted Driver Awareness Month

There are 4,000 to 8,000 distracted driving crashes in the United States every day!

In an effort to support National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) are teaming up to raise awareness about the issue of distracted driving. For the last two years distracted driving has been the leading cause of injury crashes investigated by the Colorado State Patrol. In 2009, distracted drivers killed nearly 5,500 people across the nation.

Robbery of Public Service Credit Union Branch in Denver

The Denver Police Department and the FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force (RMSSTF) are investigating a bank robbery.

Public Service Credit Union
815 Colorado Boulevard
Denver, Colorado
03/30/2011, 11:56 a.m.

The suspect is described as a white male in his 40s, approximately 6’3” in height, approximately 200 pounds, with short gray hair, and unshaven.

The suspect showed a handgun, demanded money, then fled from the bank.

Bank robbery is punishable by a 20-year prison sentence for each offense and increases if a dangerous weapon is used in the commission of the crime.

The FBI continues to provide financial institutions with the best practices for security to make them less vulnerable to robberies.

If anyone has any information on the bank robbery above, or any bank robbery, please call the FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force at 303-629-7171; or, you can remain anonymous and earn up to two thousand dollars ($2,000) by calling CRIMESTOPPERS at 720-913-STOP (7867).

CSP Seeks Hit and Run Driver

COMMERCE CITY - At approximately 5:50 p.m. on Friday April 1st, a black jeep was pulled over on the left shoulder of westbound I-76 at 96th Ave. The driver of the jeep was struck by a westbound vehicle as he attempted to move a mattress from the left lane of traffic. The pedestrian, driver of the jeep, was an adult male in his early-mid twenties. The pedestrian was transported to Denver General Health with serious injuries.

Warning Issued at the new Adams County Government Complex

Brighton Police issued a warning at the new Adams County Government Complex at 124th Avenue and Sable Boulevard after a threat was made to a Adams County Employee earlier today. The events happened at the county's workforce center offices. No arrests were made.