Late Night Shooting Leaves One Dead in Commerce City... There is now a $1500 reward posted by the Commerce City Police Department

COMMERCE CITY ― The Commerce City Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred in the 6500 block of Holly St at around 9:30pm on Sunday night. Officers responded to a report of shots being fired in the area. When they arrived they found a male lying on the ground.

It appears that an 18 year old male was walking southbound on Holly St when he was shot multiple times. The male was transported to the hospital but did not survive his injuries. Commerce City police identified the 18-year-old as Dijoun Quinn, a recent graduate of Adams City High School who had enlisted in the Army. Quinn's Grandfather says his grandson didn't have any enemies and was not in a gang.

There is no suspect information available at this time, and investigators are encouraging anyone with information to contact Detective Bryan VanderMeer at 303-289-3629 or the Commerce City Tip Line at 303-289-3626.

The investigation is ongoing and more information will be released as it becomes available.

Car chase with Commerce City local ends with crash, capture in Lakewood

A habitual traffic offender led troopers on a chase Friday morning in Jefferson County that ended when he crashed into a tree and tried to run before being captured.

The incident started about 6 a.m. on Colorado 119, near Black Hawk, when a silver Ford Escape was stopped for driving with fake license plates, according to the Colorado State Patrol.

The driver of the Escape, Sonia Zamudio, 39, of Commerce City, was arrested for driving while her license was under restraint, displaying fictitious plates and having no proof of insurance, the State Patrol said.

Read more: Click Here

Montrose County Resident Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of Child Pornography

David W. Tunget, age 47, of Montrose County, Colorado, was sentenced on March 11, 2011 by U.S. District Judge Philip Brimmer to serve 188 months (over 15 years) for possession of child pornography, United States Attorney John Walsh and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Rankin announced. Following his term of imprisonment, Judge Brimmer ordered Tunget to serve an additional 20 years on supervised release. The defendant also was ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution. Tunget was remanded immediately following the sentencing hearing. As noted during the sentencing hearing, Tunget was previously convicted of sex offenses against children in California.

CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION FILES DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT AGAINST WILDER FARMS

On March 17, 2011, the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, through the Colorado Attorney General, filed a Notice of Hearing and Formal Complaint against the Wilder Corporation of Delaware, commonly known as Wilder Farms. The case, Shirley Farris v. Wilder Farms, was first filed with the Colorado Civil Rights Division roughly one year ago, on March 22, 2010. On December 7, 2010, after a thorough nine-month investigation that included numerous interviews of past and current employees, the Division issued a probable cause finding. In that finding, the Division found that there was reason to believe that Ms. Farris had been sexually harassed by her managers and at least one co-worker. A copy of the finding, as well as related documents, can be found at http://www.dora.state.co.us/civil-rights.

FRAUD ALERT

Fraud investigators from state and local law enforcement agencies in several states, including Colorado, believe a foreign-based boiler room operation is making increasingly aggressive and threatening calls to residential phone customers throughout the state, demanding credit card payments for non-existent debts, said Attorney General John W. Suthers and Colorado Bureau of Investigation Director Ronald C. Sloan.

The con artists, who are reported to have noticeable foreign accents, represent that they are "officers" calling from the "Colorado Department of Law and Investigations."

Neither the real Colorado Department of Law - the Attorney General's Office - nor the Colorado Bureau of Investigation collects any kind of debt or makes such calls.

CBI reports it receives 3-4 complaints a week from citizens. Some victims are being called 6-8 times within a couple of hours. Law enforcement agencies in Colorado and in other states indicate the scam is increasing in their areas. Even in other states, callers claim association with the "Colorado Department of Law and Investigations."

Victims say that callers claim that the victim has failed to repay a payday or Internet loan for several hundred dollars and demand payment over the phone using the victim's credit card account. Callers also demand Social Security numbers and tell victims that if they don't make the payment, police officers will be sent to their homes. In some cases, victims report graphic threats of violence if they fail to pay.

"Consumers should never provide personal financial information over the telephone on calls they do not initiate," Suthers said. "If you are unsure about a call purported to be from a law enforcement agency, ask the caller for call-back information and check it out online or through the phone book. And if a caller is engaging in threatening or abusive calls, hang up," he said.

CBI ranks the scheme as the #1 fraud currently being attempted on Colorado citizens.

Robbery of TCF Bank Branch in Lakewood

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

TCF Bank
7595 West Colfax Avenue
Lakewood, Colorado
03/19/2011, 9:00 a.m.

The suspect is described as a white male, 20 to 30 years of age, 5'10" to 6'0" in height, approximately 160 to 170 pounds, with several days' growth of facial hair (goatee).

The RMSSTF has dubbed this bandit the "Blessings Bandit," who is believed responsible for five bank robberies in the Denver metro area.

The name "Blessings Bandit" was chosen because at the end of the threat of violence demand note, the words "God Bless" were written.

The suspect demanded money and fled.

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).

Robbery of Chase Bank Branch in Centennial

The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office and the FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force (RMSSTF) are investigating a bank robbery.

Chase Bank
7490 South University Boulevard
Centennial, Colorado
03/21/2011, 10:56 a.m.

The suspect is described as a white male, 25 to 35 years of age, 6'0" to 6'3" in height, with a slender build, and unshaven.

The RMSSTF has dubbed this bandit the "Blessings Bandit," who is believed responsible for five bank robberies in the Denver metro area.

The name "Blessings Bandit" was chosen because at the end of the threat of violence demand note, the words "God Bless" were written.

The suspect demanded money and fled.

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).

Attorney General releases Spanish-language version of popular ‘Identity Theft Repair Kit’ pamphlet

Colorado Attorney General John Suthers announced today that his office has produced a Spanish-language edition of its popular “Identity Theft Repair Kit,” which advises consumers on how to avoid identity theft and what to do if their identities are stolen.

“Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States,” Suthers said. “This new edition of the ‘Identity Theft Repair Kit’ will expand the reach of our consumer-education efforts to help the state’s growing Hispanic and Spanish-speaking populations.”

Attorney General announces lawsuit against South Dakota lender making unlicensed loans to Colorado consumers

Colorado Attorney General John Suthers announced today that his office has filed a lawsuit against Western Sky Financial, a South Dakota-based online lender, and its principal, Martin A. Webb, for making unlicensed, high-interest loans to Colorado consumers.

Attorney General unveils quarterly newsletter aimed at informing and protecting Colorado consumers

Colorado Attorney General John Suthers unveiled today a new initiative aimed at keeping Colorado consumers apprised of the latest scams. The Colorado Consumer Fraud Awareness newsletter, a quarterly digital publication, will deliver information on emerging fraud schemes as well as information about common scams and how consumers can avoid falling victim to both.

Attorney General awards $600,000 grant to Colorado Foreclosure Hotline to help it continue its mission

Colorado Attorney General John Suthers announced today that his office has awarded the Colorado Foreclosure Hotline a two-year, $600,000 grant to allow the nonprofit to continue its mission of helping homeowners avoid foreclosure.

“The Colorado Foreclosure Hotline is the best resource available for consumers facing foreclosure,” Suthers said. “It is free and has a proven record of helping homeowners in distress assess their options and make an informed choice. This grant will help keep this resource available for the next two years as Colorado continues to experience historically high levels of foreclosures across the state.”

Southern Ute Tribal Member Sent to Federal Prison for Aggravated Sexual Abuse and Abusive Sexual Contact

Adam Frost, age 30, of Ignacio, Colorado, was sentenced yesterday in Durango by New Mexico Senior U.S. District Court Judge James A. Parker, sitting by designation, to serve 200 months (over 16 years) for aggravated sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact. Following his term of incarceration, Judge Parker ordered Frost to serve 10 years of supervised release. Frost, who appeared at the hearing in custody, was remanded. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney John Walsh and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Rankin.

Brighton Police shave heads to raise money for cancer research

Several staff from the Brighton Police Department are shaving their heads for the fight against children’s cancer. This year’s annual St. Baldrick’s Day event in Brighton will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 26 at the Brighton Boys and Girls Club, 1800 Longspeak St.

Joining the Brighton Police Department in this effort is the Greater Brighton Fire Protection District and the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.

To join or donate to the Brighton Police Department team, “The Thin Blue Hairline,” visit www.stbaldricks.org/teams/mypage/teamid/69920.

The St. Baldrick’s Day Foundation is a volunteer-driven charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and give survivors long and healthy lives. For more information about the foundation, visit, www.stbaldricks.org.

Former Marine Found Guilty of Killing His Wife

Adams/Broomfield county District Attorney, Don Quick, announced that Charles David Fisher (dob: 12/02/1981) was found guilty in the shooting death his wife and for attempting to burn down his house.

Prosecution offered evidence that on July 3, 2010 at approximately 7:39 PM Thornton Police responded to a report of a fire inside the Fisher residence in Thornton, CO. Law enforcement testified that the wife of Fisher, Belinda Fisher (dob: 04/18/1980), was discovered inside the residence against the wall in covered with bullet casings. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Further evidence was provided that Fisher, a former marine, shot his wife 18 times and then set fire to his house.

An Adams County jury found Fisher guilty of Second Degree Murder (F2) and First Degree Arson (F3).

Fisher is scheduled for sentencing on May 19, 2011, 8:30 at the Adams County Justice Center. The sentencing range for Second Degree Murder (F2) is 16 to 48 years and the range for First Degree Arson (F3) is four to 24 years.

Robbery of Chase Bank Branch in Edgewater

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

Chase Bank
1705 Sheridan Boulevard
Edgewater, Colorado
03/16/2011, 12:08 p.m.

The suspect is described as a white male, early 30s, 5’5” to 5’6” tall, weighing approximately 150 pounds.

This suspect is believed to be the "Ho Hum Bandit," who has robbed banks in San Diego, Los Angeles, Cheyenne, Seattle, and the Denver metro area.

The suspect demanded money and fled.

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).

Trying Kids as Adults: Policies are Changing

New Report Shows Trend of Nearly Half the States Changing or Considering Change

Washington, D.C. – More than 20 states in the United States have changed or are considering changes to their policies around trying kids as adults according to a new report, State Trends: Legislative Changes from 2005-2010 Removing Youth from the Adult Criminal Justice System, released today bythe Campaign for Youth Justice.

TCF Bank Robbery

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

TCF Bank
1709 Sheridan Boulevard
Edgewater, Colorado
03/10/2011, 10:23 a.m.

The suspect is described as a white male, 30 to 35 years of age, 5’8” to 5’9”, approximately 160 pounds, with a medium build.

The suspect demanded money and fled.

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).

US Bank Robbery

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force (RMSSTF) are investigating a bank robbery.

US Bank
9376 South University Boulevard
Highlands Ranch, Colorado
03/11/2011, 5:54 p.m.

The suspect is described as a white male, 25 to 28 years of age, approximately 6’2”, approximately 180 pounds, with a slender build.

The suspect demanded money and fled.

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).

Colorado Securities Commissioner Agrees to Auction Rate Securities Settlement with Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated

Colorado Securities Commissioner Fred Joseph announced today the entry of a Consent Order that finalizes the terms of settlement between the Colorado Division of Securities and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated. Under the settlement agreement, Morgan Stanley agreed to buy back in excess of $127 million worth of auction rate securities from Colorado investors who found themselves unable to sell their securities after they had been frozen in the auction rate securities ("ARS") market.

Mejia Supports Chief Whitman’s Recommendation to Fire Officer

James Mejia, candidate for Mayor of Denver, issued the following statement supporting Denver Police Chief Gerry Whitman’s recommendation that Officer Devon Sparks be fired over the beating of Michael DeHerrera on April 4, 2009. After a hearing yesterday on the incident, Chief Whitman changed his recommendation from last year of suspension, to termination.

Robbery of Academy Bank Branch in Thornton

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

Academy Bank
9901 Grant Street
Thornton, Colorado
03/11/2011, 5:50 p.m.

The suspect is described as a white male, 25 to 35 years of age, 5'8" to 5'10" in height, weighing 160 to 170 pounds, with a thin build.

The suspect demanded money and fled.

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).

Attorney General, Secretary of State and AARP ElderWatch warn Coloradans to beware of false charity scams after quake, tsunami

Colorado Attorney General John Suthers has joined today with Colorado Secretary of State Scott Gessler and AARP ElderWatch to warn Coloradans to beware of scams trying to exploit the earthquake and tsunami in Japan as a means to steal their money.

“Although we have not yet received any complaints from consumers, experience tells us that scam artists are quite adept at exploiting current events and natural disasters to prey on consumers desire to help,” Suthers said. “Consumers should always check out any charities soliciting donations.”

Attorney General announces Colorado will receive $1.4 million as part of a multistate settlement with AstraZeneca

Attorney General John Suthers announced today that Colorado will receive $1.4 million as part of a settlement with AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals to settle allegations that the drug manufacturer engaged in deceptive trade practices while promoting the drug Seroquel.

According to the settlement, the UK-based company marketed the atypical psychotic medication Seroquel for off-label uses that had not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, including the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease, anxiety, dementia, depression, sleep disorders and post traumatic stress disorder. It generally is not illegal for doctors to prescribe drugs for off-label uses, but it is illegal for drug manufacturers to market drugs for non-FDA-approved uses.

Adams County: Man found guilty in beating death

Adams/Broomfield Counties District Attorney Don Quick announced late yesterday that Elrick Gilman (DOB: 01/04/79) was found guilty of beating a man to death in Northglenn, CO.

On July 27, 2009, at approximately 11:47 PM, Northglenn Police Officers responded to a disturbance call at Washington and 117th. Upon arrival, officers located the victim Aaron Anthony (DOB: 11/29/1979) lying on the ground, unconscious with excessive blood coming from his head and face. Mr. Anthony was transported to the hospital and pronounced dead at 12:20 AM due to severe head trauma.

Witnesses testified at trial that Mr. Anthony intervened in a physical altercation between the victim’s girlfriend and Gilman. Witnesses further testified that the altercation was initiated by Gilman. Gilman and the victim then got into a fist fight when the co-defendant, Nicholas Smiley, joined in. Further testimony revealed that the victim got knocked to the ground and Gilman continued hitting and kicking him.

An Adams County jury found Gilman guilty of Criminally Negligent Homicide (F5) and Second Degree Assault (F4).

Gilman is scheduled for sentencing on April 29, 2011, 8:30 AM in Division G. The sentencing range is five to 16 years.

Brighton Police obtain warrant for suspect of Attempted Murder

Brighton police have obtained a warrant for the arrest of Jose Javier Martinez-Hernandez for Attempted Murder. The 25 year old victim remains in critical condition in a Denver area hospital.

The investigation alleges Martinez-Hernandez intentionally drove into the victim with his car and continued to drive while she clung to the hood. The victim received life threatening injuries when she was thrown from the car several blocks later.

The assault occurred just after midnight last Saturday morning, near 20th Ave. and Egbert St., in Brighton.

Jose Javier Martinez-Hernandez, (a.k.a. “J.J.”) is 21 years old, 5’5”, 140 pounds, Brown hair and eyes. His last known address was in Brighton.

Brighton Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating Martinez-Hernandez.

Anyone with information about Martinez-Hernandez’ whereabouts is asked to call Detective Paul White at 303-655-2324 or call 9-1-1.

Smoke near DIA

Smoke was reported around the DIA area this afternoon. South Adams County and the Greater Brighton fire departments responded to the 21300 block of East 112th Avenue, east of Tower Road. A fire official on the scene said a homeowner was doing the burning without a permit.

Attorney General announces 10-year community corrections sentence for man involved in investment, securities fraud scam

Colorado Attorney General John Suthers announced that a Douglas County District Court judge sentenced Adam Kelepolo (DOB: 2/10/1973) to a 10-year community corrections sentence for his part in defrauding investors between September 2002 and March 2007 as part of a securities fraud scheme. Kelepolo also was ordered to pay $820,000 in restitution to his victims.

Attorney General unveils top 2010 consumer complaints

Colorado Attorney General John Suthers unveiled today statistics on the top consumer complaints for 2010 and the first two months of 2011 to mark the beginning of National Consumer Protection Week.

“Investigating companies that defraud Colorado consumers is one of the most important jobs of Colorado’s attorney general,” Suthers said. “Thanks to our aggressive outreach, warning consumers about prevalent scams and informing Coloradans on how to protect themselves, we have made great progress over the past five years. The growing number of complaints Coloradans submit to us highlights the strides we have made in informing consumers about types of fraud and how to report scams to us as well as our federal counterparts.”

HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGY COMPANY SANCTIONED BY SECURITIES COMMISSIONER

Colorado Securities Commissioner Fred Joseph announced today that he has entered a final cease and desist order against a Tennessee healthcare information technology company and its management for allegedly violating the securities registration provisions of the Colorado Securities Act (“Act”) in connection with the offer of securities in Colorado.

Brighton Police seek man for questioning

Brighton police are asking for the public’s help in locating a man wanted for questioning in a vehicular assault which seriously injured a 25 year-old Fort Lupton woman.

The incident occurred just after midnight on Saturday morning, near 20th Ave. and Egbert St., in Brighton.

Police are looking for 21-year-old Jose Javier Martinez-Hernandez, of Brighton. He may be driving a gray or silver 4-door compact car.

Anyone with information about Martinez-Hernandez’ whereabouts is asked to call 9-1-1.