Colorado Fifth Judicial District Attorney's Office

Crime Victim Compensation Program April 20, 2026

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:51:00 GMT

Public Notice Crime Victim Compensation Program 5th Judicial District

Please direct all inquiries to: Christine Watson, CVC Administrator, District Attorney’s Office, P.O. Box 295, Eagle, CO 81631, telephone (970) 337-3706.

Date of Meeting April 20, 2026

Time of Meeting: 9:00 a.m. MST

Location of Meeting: Office of the District Attorney,

Fifth Judicial District

VIA Zoom Conference

I certify that I posted this notice on Fifth Judicial District, District Attorney’s Website at www.da5.us.

Christine Watson, CVC Administrator

s/Christine Watson 4/6/2026

To request a copy of the Zoom Link or Victim Compensation Policies and Procedures, Bylaws and /or the Standards for the Administration of the Victim Compensation Programs, please contact Christine Watson, CVC Administrator, cvcinfo@da5.us, P.O. Box 295, Eagle, CO 81631, 970-337-3706. All meetings are subject to change. Please contact the CVC Administrator to confirm the monthly meeting.

All persons attending CVC Board meetings are required to comply with security screening procedures as directed and provide their full name to be included in the meeting minutes. To ensure an equitable and fair process for all CVC applicants, and preserve CVC claim confidentiality pursuant to C.R.S. 24-4.1-107.5, persons attending the CVC meetings may not address the CVC Board during the meetings. If there is a matter you wish the CVC Board to consider, please outline the request in writing and submit it no later than five days prior to a scheduled CVC Board meeting to the CVC Administrator. Requests may be deferred to the next scheduled monthly meeting if not submitted in a timely manner.

The members of the 5th Judicial District CVC Board, upon affirmative vote of two thirds of the quorum present, may hold an executive session pursuant to the Colorado Open Meeting Law (C.R.S. 24-6-402(4) et seq.) and CVC Bylaws.

To report a Standards violation, please contact the Division of Criminal Justice 700 Kipling Street, Suite 1000, Denver, CO 80215 or by phone at 303-239-4493 or 1-888-282-1080 (toll free).

Crime Victim Compensation Program March 17, 2026

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 14:34:31 GMT

Public Notice Crime Victim Compensation Program 5th Judicial District

Please direct all inquiries to: Christine Watson, CVC Administrator, District Attorney’s Office, P.O. Box 295, Eagle, CO 81631, telephone (970) 337-3706.

Date of Meeting March 17, 2026

Time of Meeting: 9:00 a.m. MST

Location of Meeting: Office of the District Attorney,

Fifth Judicial District

VIA Zoom Conference

I certify that I posted this notice on Fifth Judicial District, District Attorney’s Website at www.da5.us.

Christine Watson, CVC Administrator

s/Christine Watson 2/26/2026

To report a Standards violation, please contact the Division of Criminal Justice 700 Kipling Street, Suite 1000, Denver, CO 80215 or by phone at 303-239-4493 or 1-888-282-1080 (toll free).

Crime Victim Compensation Program February 17, 2026

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 16:18:07 GMT

Public Notice Crime Victim Compensation Program 5TH Judicial District

Please direct all inquiries to: Christine Watson, CVC Administrator, District Attorney’s Office, P.O. Box 295, Eagle, CO 81631, telephone (970) 337-3706.

Date of Meeting February 17, 2026

Time of Meeting: 9:00 a.m. MST

Location of Meeting: Office of the District Attorney,

Fifth Judicial District

VIA Zoom Conference

I certify that I posted this notice on Fifth Judicial District, District Attorney’s Website at www.da5.us.

Christine Watson, CVC Administrator

s/Christine Watson 2/10/2026

To report a Standards violation, please contact the Division of Criminal Justice 700 Kipling Street, Suite 1000, Denver, CO 80215 or by phone at 303-239-4493 or 1-888-282-1080 (toll free).

VALE Meeting January 22, 2026

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 19:46:33 GMT

5th Judicial District V.A.L.E. Victim Assistance and Law Enforcement PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes 24-6-402 that on the date, at the time, and in the location that follows the Victim Assistance and Law Enforcement board meeting will be held. Please refer to the attached agenda for specific information concerning the business to be conducted. Please direct all inquiries to: V.A.L.E. Board Administrator, District Attorney’s Office, P.O. Box 295, Eagle, CO 81631, telephone (970) 390-0150

Date of Meeting: January 22, 2026

Time of Meeting: 8:15 a.m.

Location of Meeting: Zoom Meeting

I certify that this notice was posted with an attached agenda on the DA5 website.

Agenda includes annual meeting matters, quarterly report review, possible new board member, any new business.

________________________________________________________

s/Wendi Rowles

V.A.L.E. Board Administrator

*This is the scheduled time of adjournment. The board will continue meeting later than this anticipated adjournment if the business conducted at the meeting requires the board to meet longer and will adjourn earlier if the business of the Board is concluded sooner than expected. If you wish to participate in any meeting, please contact Wendi Rowles by email at wrowles@da5.us or by phone at 970-337-3729 for access to the meeting.

To request a copy of the Victim Assistance and Law Enforcement Policies and Procedures, Bylaws, and meeting minutes please contact Wendi Rowles in writing at The Office of the District Attorney, P.O. Box 295, Eagle, CO 81631; by email at wrowles@da5.us or by phone at (970) 337-3729

To file a report alleging a violation of the State Victim Assistance and Law Enforcement Standards, please contact:

Division of Criminal Justice Office for Victims Programs 700 Kipling St., Ste 1000 Denver, CO 80215 303-239-5719 303-239-5743 Fax 1-888-282-1080 Toll free (outside the Denver Metro area)

VALE Meeting October 30, 2025

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 21:18:22 GMT

5th Judicial District V.A.L.E. Victim Assistance and Law Enforcement PUBLIC NOTICE

Date of Meeting: October 30th , 2025

Time of Meeting: 7:30 a.m.

Location of Meeting: Zoom Meeting

I certify that this notice was posted with an attached agenda on the DA5 website.

Agenda includes annual meeting matters, quarterly report review, possible new board member, any new business.

s/ Wendi Rowles, VALE Board Administrator

To file a report alleging a violation of the State Victim Assistance and Law Enforcement Standards, please contact:

Division of Criminal Justice Office for Victims Programs 700 Kipling St., Ste 1000 Denver, CO 80215 303-239-5719 303-239-5743 Fax 1-888-282-1080 Toll free (outside the Denver Metro area)

VALE Meeting October 23, 2025

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 15:45:35 GMT

5th Judicial District V.A.L.E. Victim Assistance and Law Enforcement PUBLIC NOTICE

Date of Meeting: October 23rd, 2025

Time of Meeting: 8:30 a.m.

Location of Meeting: Zoom Meeting

I certify that this notice was posted with an attached agenda on the DA5 website.

Agenda includes annual meeting matters, quarterly report review, possible new board member, any new business.

s/ Wendi Rowles, VALE Board Administrator

To file a report alleging a violation of the State Victim Assistance and Law Enforcement Standards, please contact:

Division of Criminal Justice Office for Victims Programs 700 Kipling St., Ste 1000 Denver, CO 80215 303-239-5719 303-239-5743 Fax 1-888-282-1080 Toll free (outside the Denver Metro area)

Chairperson: Cody Cosper, Eagle | Clear Creek, Eagle, Lake & Summit Counties Administrator Wendi Rowles

Members: Nancy Bailey, Lake | Alice Harvey, Eagle | Carrie Benway, Eagle

5th Judicial District V.A.L.E.

Victim Assistance and Law Enforcement

Monthly CVC Meeting September 15, 2025 , 9:00 AM

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 16:37:59 GMT

Please direct all inquiries to: Christine Watson, CVC Administrator, District Attorney’s Office, P.O. Box 295, Eagle, CO 81631, telephone (970) 337-3706.

Date of Meeting September 15, 2025

Time of Meeting: 9:00 a.m. MST

Location of Meeting: Office of the District Attorney,

Fifth Judicial District

VIA Zoom Conference

I certify that I posted this notice on Fifth Judicial District, District Attorney’s Website at www.da5.us.

/s/Christine Watson, CVC Administrator

To report a Standards violation, please contact the Division of Criminal Justice 700 Kipling Street, Suite 1000, Denver, CO 80215 or by phone at 303-239-4493 or 1-888-282-1080 (toll free). 09/08/2025

VALE Grantee Mandatory Discovery Meeting

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 21:21:31 GMT

Grantee Discovery Meeting, August 28th, 2025, 8:30am

Date of Meeting: August 28th

Time of Meeting: 8:30 a.m.

Location of Meeting: Zoom Meeting

I certify that this notice was posted with an attached agenda on the DA5 website.

Agenda includes annual meeting matters, quarterly report review, possible new board member, any new business.

___/s/Wendi Rowles_______

V.A.L.E. Board Administrator

To file a report alleging a violation of the State Victim Assistance and Law Enforcement Standards, please contact:

Division of Criminal Justice
Office for Victims Programs
700 Kipling St., Ste 1000
Denver, CO 80215
303-239-5719
303-239-5743 Fax
1-888-282-1080 Toll free (outside the Denver Metro area)

Christian Glass Homicide

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Thu, 08 May 2025 19:11:23 GMT

Failure to Intervene Training Video

Monthly CVC Meeting August 18th, 2025, 9:00 AM

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 21:14:25 GMT

PUBLIC NOTICE

CRIME VICTIM COMPENSATION PROGRAM

5TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes 24-6-402 that on the date, at the time, and in the location that follows the Crime Victim Compensation monthly and annual meeting will be held. The 5th Judicial District includes Clear Creek, Lake, Eagle, and Summit counties. Please direct all inquiries to: Christine Watson, CVC Administrator, District Attorney’s Office, P.O. Box 295, Eagle, CO 81631, telephone (970) 337-3706.

Date of Meeting July 21, 2025

Time of Meeting: 9:00 a.m. MST

Location of Meeting: Office of the District Attorney,

Fifth Judicial District

VIA Zoom Conference

I certify that I posted this notice on Fifth Judicial District, District Attorney’s Website at www.da5.us.

/s/ Christine Watson, CVC Administrator

To report a Standards violation, please contact the Division of Criminal Justice 700 Kipling Street, Suite 1000, Denver, CO 80215 or by phone at 303-239-4493 or 1-888-282-1080 (toll free).

Man Sentenced for Threats Against School District Superintendent and Teachers Ordered to Serve Remainder of Sentence in Dept of Corrections

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 01:03:19 GMT

Draughn, Charles

Arrest Made in Clear Creek Homicide Investigation

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Sat, 31 Aug 2024 00:10:09 GMT

Man Who Killed Co-Worker in 2019 Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 21:46:50 GMT

Breckenridge, Colo. (Summit County) – Miles Fernando Tovar, 40, of Breckenridge, was sentenced today to a total of 14 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections (DoC) related to the 2019 death of his (then) co-worker, Brendan Rye. On March 8, 2024, a jury found him guilty of: Reckless Manslaughter (F4), and 1st Degree Criminal Trespass (F5).

During the sentencing, the Honorable Judge Karen Romeo noted Tovar’s extensive criminal history over the last 20 years, mostly involving alcohol-related/violence incidents. Citing his numerous arrests and aggravating circumstances, she sentenced him to 12 years in the DoC for the manslaughter charge. For the trespass charge, she sentenced Tovar to two years in the DoC to be served consecutively with the manslaughter charge for a total of 14 years. He was given 598 days credit for time already served.

Background

On Nov. 6, 2019, at 9:48pm, a co-worker called 9-1-1 to report Mr. Rye was unconscious and not breathing in a Breckenridge condominium they were all living in while renovating it. Upon arrival, law enforcement found Mr. Rye laying unresponsive in the bathroom. He was later pronounced deceased.

Tovar, Rye and the reporting party were all temporarily living in the condo while they renovated it as subcontractors. The owner of the unit lived nearby and invited the men to have dinner in her condo as a thank you for their hard work. Tovar became heavily intoxicated during the evening dinner, and the condo owner asked him to leave. Tovar kept returning to the owner’s residence for various reasons, and Mr. Rye repeatedly stepped in and physically lead Tovar away and back to their unit. The last time, Tovar shoved Brendan out of the unit and slammed the door behind him, saying he did not like being disrespected. Tovar later went to Brendan’s room in the neighboring unit to have a “man conversation” with Brendan. This led to the deadly confrontation between Tovar and Rye. At some point, the reporting party heard loud ‘pops’ inside the unit. Tovar had been shot in the leg once, and Rye’s death was ruled a homicide by manual strangulation.

During the investigation by the Breckenridge Police Department, an arrest warrant was issued for Defendant Tovar in February 2022, and he later turned himself in to the U.S. Marshals Service in Bridgeport, Conn., in October 2022. He was extradited back to Summit County, Colo., to face charges here.

5th Judicial District Attorney Heidi McCollum said, “We appreciate the efforts of the Breckenridge Police Department for investigating this case, and the U.S. Marshals Service in bringing this defendant to answer for the crimes he committed. Mr. Rye’s family and friends have waited more than four years for this justice, and I sincerely hope they can finally start their healing process.”

-DA5-

OVER 700 OF THE NATION’S PROSECUTORS CALL ON CONGRESS TO AVERT FUNDING CUTS TO VICTIMS OF CRIME ACT (VOCA) GRANTS

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 19:16:17 GMT

Man Found Guilty in Co-Worker’s 2019 Death

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 23:52:51 GMT

Breckenridge, Colo. (Summit County) – Miles Fernando Tovar, 40, of Breckenridge, was found guilty today by a jury of: Reckless Manslaughter (F4), and 1 ^st Degree Criminal Trespass (F5) related to a 2019 incident involving the death of his (then) co-worker, Brendan Rye. The jury found him not guilty of: 1 ^st Degree Burglary (F3), and another charge of 1 ^st Degree Criminal Trespass.

During the investigation of the death by the Breckenridge Police Department, an arrest warrant was issued for Defendant Tovar in February 2022, and he later turned himself in to the U.S. Marshals Service in Bridgeport, Conn., in October 2022. He was extradited back to Summit County, Colo., to face charges here.

Background

On Nov. 6, 2019, at 9:48pm, a co-worker called 9-1-1 to report Mr. Rye was unconscious and not breathing in a condominium they were all living in while renovating it (in Breckenridge). Upon arrival, law enforcement found Mr. Rye laying unresponsive in the bathroom. He was later pronounced deceased.

Tovar, Rye and the reporting party were all temporarily living in the condo while they renovated it as subcontractors. The owner of the unit lived nearby and invited the men to have dinner in his condo as a thank you for their hard work. Tovar became heavily intoxicated during the evening dinner, and the condo owner asked him to leave. Tovar kept returning to the owner’s residence for various reasons, and Mr. Rye would step in and physically lead Tovar away and back to their unit, several times that night. This apparently led to the deadly confrontation between Tovar and Rye. At some point, the reporting party heard loud ‘pops’ inside the unit. Tovar had been shot in the leg once, and Rye’s death was ruled a homicide by manual strangulation.

5 ^th Judicial District Attorney Heidi McCollum said, “We appreciate the efforts of the Breckenridge Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service in bringing this defendant to answer for the crimes he committed. Mr. Rye’s family and friends have waited more than four years for this justice, and I sincerely hope this is one more step in their healing process.”

Tovar will be sentenced on May 9, 2024, at 10:30am. He faces one to three years in the Colorado Department of Corrections (DOC) for the criminal trespass conviction, and two to six years for reckless manslaughter (in the DOC).

-DA5-

ALL PERSONS CHARGED WITH CRIMES ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL THE CONTRARY IS PROVEN IN A COURT OF LAW.

Community Leaders: Get Involved, and Get on the VALE Board!

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 18:11:15 GMT

For Clear Creek, Eagle, Lake and Summit County Community Members

The Victim and Witness Assistance and Law Enforcement Fund has been created specifically for the purpose of supporting and assisting victims and witnesses of crime. The program works under the authority of C.R.S. 24-4.2-101.
The VALE Board consists of 5 members that review and make funding decisions on grants submitted by agencies on a yearly basis. VALE receives funding from court fees and fines that defendants are ordered to pay at the time of sentencing.

The Board meets on a quarterly basis to review reports submitted by all current grantees, with one to two additional funding meetings, (so approximately 6 meetings per year) . Most meetings last under an hour with the exception of the funding meeting which is usually several hours.

https://www.da5.us/CommunityInvolvement

For more information:

Wendi Rowles
Office of the District Attorney
wrowles@da5.us

Save the Date! Feb. 6th is "Safer Internet Day"!!!

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 17:51:28 GMT

for more information, click here https://saferinternetday.us/

Man Sentenced for Threats Against Summit School District Superintendent and Teachers

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 20:06:19 GMT

New Paragraph

Local Building Contractor Arrested, Charged with Numerous Felonies

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 22:26:12 GMT

Victims identified to date live in Clear Creek, Summit, Lake, Park and Eagle counties.

Let's Be Safe Out There!

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 16:21:13 GMT

Safe Passing Message

Former Clear Creek Sheriff’s Deputy Pleads Guilty, and Six More Officers Charged

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 14:52:15 GMT

Note: 2nd paragraph correction: "....as part of today's agreement.." The agreement with Defendant Gould was Thursday, Nov. 16th.

Construction Company Owner Receives Jail Time for Employee Death

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 01:44:43 GMT

Officer Involved Shooting Letter of Declination Public Release --Charles Foster (Summit County)

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 17:54:47 GMT

Local Construction Company Owner Pleads Guilty in Fatal Employee Accident

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 17:18:00 GMT

Dillon Man Sentenced for Sexual Assault of Daughter

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 16:43:48 GMT

Law Enforcement Personnel in Officer Involved Shooting Identified--Summit County

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 19:15:22 GMT

Ready to get involved?...be a CVC Board Member

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 23:13:06 GMT

Eagle County Man Found Guilty of 2nd Degree Assault

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 22:04:00 GMT

Could Adult Diversion Be Right For YOU!?

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Fri, 12 May 2023 16:48:22 GMT

Charges against you could be dismissed after successful completion of program

To see if you qualify: adultdiversion@da5.us Email us, today!

Criminal Justice Agencies, Community-Based Organizations and Eagle County Partner to Reduce Violence

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 18:42:50 GMT

Vail, Colo. (Eagle County) — Criminal justice agencies and community-based organizations have formed a new partnership called the Mountain Safe Response Plan. Mountain Safe is designed to bring criminal justice, behavioral health, youth intervention, victim advocacy and community service programs together under one overarching plan. Goals are to improve outcomes for crime victims and those exposed to trauma, reduce violent crime, mitigate at-risk behavior, and encourage crime reporting.

The plan is funded by a 3-year, $150K grant to the Vail Police Department and its partners from the U.S. Bureau of Justice Assistance and provides funding for the acquisition of services of a nationally known consultant on information sharing, the hiring of an intern to support the collaboration efforts, some basic technology to support information sharing among the partners, and an awareness campaign. The Mountain Safe grant is one of only 21 awards given out last year to cities throughout the country to focus on ways to break the cycle of violence in rural areas.

Mountain Safe partners include the Vail and Avon and Eagle police departments, the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office, the 5th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Mountain Youth, Your Hope Center, Bright Future Foundation and Eagle County Health and Human Services.

A Collaborative Action Team formed last summer to develop processes and applications of technology to ensure victims are not lost in the work of administering justice, to coordinate the delivery of services to justice-involved or trauma-exposed individuals and students, and to help individuals with mental or behavioral health problems avoid being processed into the criminal justice system. Intervention plans will identify the most suitable combination of services for a targeted response to a specific problem – crime types, victim traumas, lifestyle, societal impacts, and situational context.

Program lead and former Vail Police Chief Dwight Henninger said, “The intent of Mountain Safe is not to replace established crime reduction, youth focused, victim advocacy, behavioral health, and offender services. Rather its aim is to consolidate programs and overlay an assessment framework built on evidence-based practices and avoid duplication of services. Outcomes from Mountain Safe collaborative interventions will be measured over three years against a baseline of 2021 crime rates in the county.”

“The Mountain Safe Response Plan amplifies and extends the existing and extensive victim services program that the District Attorney’s office administers in accordance with state law,” said Heidi McCollum, 5th Judicial District Attorney. “This kind of follow-through and collaboration will ensure that all victims get the kind of services they need as their cases progress through the system. Also, offenders who can be diverted to non-criminal justice involvements can have better outcomes and reduce the probability of their returning to the system,” DA McCollum added.

Former Chief Henninger also noted that the partnership is paying careful attention to the protection of individual privacy in sharing data across agencies. “We are working on a universal consent form that all agencies can use to ensure that participants in the program give informed consent for their health and other records to be shared with the service providers under strict information protection and privacy.”

Mountain Safe presentations will be scheduled throughout the county in 2023. Presentations will include information on how to enroll or refer a community member to the program.

-DA5-

Mason Hohstadt and Heidi McCollum, talk about their involvement with the Colorado Region 5 Opioid Abatement Council

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 16:09:31 GMT

KMTS Connections: Colorado Opioid Abatement Council – Region 5 Request For Proposals

Click Here for Link: KMTS Connections: Colorado Opioid Abatement Council - Region 5 Request For Proposals - Your Brand of Country, KMTS

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Summit County School District Employees Indicted by Grand Jury for Failure to Report Child Abuse

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 23:48:21 GMT

Former Lake County Coroner Sentenced to 180 Days Jail in Child Cremation Case

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 00:05:44 GMT

Leadville, Colo. – Shannon Kent, 47, of Leadville, was sentenced today to 180 days in jail on each of two counts of Unlawful Acts—Cremation (unclassified misdemeanors). He will serve both 180 day sentences concurrently as ordered by the court. Kent plead guilty to the two charges on Dec. 12, 2022.

The sentencing stems from a December 2019 incident where the parents of a still born baby contacted the Bailey-Kent Funeral Home in Leadville after their child’s death. Shannon Kent owned the funeral home, and was also the Lake County Coroner at the time. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation after receiving complaints from the parents that they suspected the cremains of their baby son were suspicious, and that they had not received proper or timely legal paperwork (death certificate, etc.) from Kent. The cremains they received were in excess of what a five pound infant would be, and scientific results showed “…the cremation remains contain a ‘minimum of 2 individuals, a perinatal infant, and a larger individual. In addition, small bits of non-skeletal material consistent with jewelry fasteners, and surgical material were found…’”

Defendant Kent was found guilty by a jury in 2021 of 2 ^nd Degree Official Misconduct – for which he was sentenced to six months unsupervised probation. In June 2022, a Clear Creek County jury found Kent and his wife “not guilty” of charges related to their handling of remains of a truck driver who died in a car accident in Park County in July 2020. After an investigation by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), Kent surrendered his license to operate a funeral home or conduct funeral services effective Dec. 1, 2020.

“While today brought about the close of Shannon Kent’s criminal cases, we recognize that the parents of this tragedy are still living with this open wound. There are no words sufficient to capture the grief and anguish they have been put through from the loss of their son, and the complete lack of both respect and dignity they were shown by Shannon Kent,” said Heidi McCollum, 5 ^th Judicial District Attorney.

During sentencing, the Honorable Judge Catherine Cheroutes said that probation for Kent was not appropriate, in light of his past history as Lake County Coroner. She stated he became ‘entitled and arrogant’ due to his positions, and noted that punishment was necessary at this time.

Kent was immediately remanded to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office to begin his 180 days sentence in jail.

-DA5-

ALL PERSONS CHARGED WITH CRIMES ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL THE CONTRARY IS PROVEN IN A COURT OF LAW.

Case Against Local Chiropractor to be Dismissed

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 21:43:33 GMT

Local Construction Company Owner Charged in Fatal Employee Accident

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 00:35:18 GMT

Summit County

Peter Dillon Photo Courtesy of Summit County Sheriff's Office

Man Arrested for Threats Against Summit School District Teachers and Staff

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 20:14:42 GMT

Photo courtesy Pitkin County Sheriff's Office

‘Sexually Violent Predator’ Sentenced 4 Years to Life in Prison

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 02:35:20 GMT

Two Clear Creek Sheriff’s Deputies Indicted by 5th Judicial District Grand Jury

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Thu, 24 Nov 2022 06:11:22 GMT

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DA Attends '22 Eagle County School District Career Fair

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 19:34:21 GMT

Students learn about legal careers and opportunities

5th Judicial District Attorney Heidi McCollum and her new friend, Smokey Bear, attend the '22 Eagle County School District Career Fair Nov.17th. Some 700 8th-12th grade students attended, along with more than 40 local businesses and government agencies. DA McCollum had a great time talking with the students about what a legal career is like, and letting them know what prosecutors do for Eagle County. The fair was hosted by the CO Department of Labor and Eagle County School District.

Man Wanted in Connection to Co-Worker's Death Surrenders

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Sat, 29 Oct 2022 03:38:54 GMT

Sexual Predator Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Sat, 29 Oct 2022 03:23:53 GMT

Sexual Predator Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

Eagle, Colo. – Joshua Aaron Gewirtz, 28, Lexington, Ky, was sentenced Oct. 26, 2022, for two charges: 2nd Degree Assault-Causing Serious Bodily Injury (F4); and, Sexual Assault—Overcoming a Victim’s Will (F4). Defendant Gewirtz pleaded guilty July 27, 2022,in two cases involving separate victims. The assaults occurred in November 2020 and December 2020, in Avon and Red Cliff, Colorado. He was arrested on Aug. 4, 2021, in Ft. Collins, Colorado for these cases.

Per law enforcement investigations and Gewirtz’s own admissions, Gewirtz engaged in a similar pattern of behavior with both of the victims. He connected with them on a dating app, and met them for drinks at a local bar. After consuming several drinks, he went to his place or theirs where he became aggressive towards the victims in a sexual manner. Despite their non-consent, Gewirtz hit, choked and degraded both victims, ultimately forcing sex upon them. Both victims related that they became intoxicated in an unusual way, and more so than they anticipated they believed they should be based on the quantity of alcohol they had consumed. Gewirtz was an admitted user of illicit drugs, specifically LSD, and a search of his residence revealed LSD and liquid Xanax.

Both victims believed he drugged them unknowingly, rendering them unable to escape his brutal sexual attacks. Videos played at the sentencing hearing showed Gewirtz taking what the prosecution contended was LSD during the time of the second attack, as well as two videos of himself after the attacks, in which he was smoking marijuana and appeared to be boasting about the sexual assault.

This was not the first time Gewirtz had interactions with women he met in this manner. The Eagle County Sheriff’s Office’s investigation confirmed Gewirtz used dating apps to lure women into meeting him under similar conditions, and then engaging in aggressive sexual contact that went beyond the women’s consent.

“Sexual predators like Mr. Gewirtz will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law in Eagle County,” said Fifth Judicial District Attorney Heidi S. McCollum. “Mr. Gewirtz engaged in depraved, assaultive, and non-consensual attacks on these two women that will forever affect them. We have held him accountable for his actions.”

Defendant Gewirtz was sentenced to 10 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections, and to lifetime sex offender intensive supervised probation. He is scheduled for sentencing next month in a similar case in Larimer County.

-DA5-

ALL PERSONS CHARGED WITH CRIMES ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL THE CONTRARY IS PROVEN IN A COURT OF LAW.

DA Launches Grand Jury Investigation Into Officer Involved Shooting

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 15:09:45 GMT

Review of Investigation into Officer Involved Shooting

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Tue, 13 Sep 2022 22:13:38 GMT

EIGHT COLORADO DISTRICT ATTORNEYS’ OFFICES UNITE FOR MORE JUST AND TRANSPARENT PROSECUTION

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 17:51:53 GMT

Colorado First in Nation to Move Toward Statewide Use of Data to Improve the Fairness and Effectiveness of the Criminal Justice System

Leadville Man Sentenced to 36 Years Prison for Murdering Girlfriend

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 01:14:50 GMT

LEADVILLE, Colo. – Jesus Alejandro Artica, 34, of Leadville, was sentenced today to 36 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections for murdering his girlfriend, Yolanda Lacome, 35. Artica pleaded guilty to the charge of 2 ^nd degree murder on July 7, 2022. As part of this plea deal, he cannot ask for a reduction in today’s maximum sentencing, but will receive credit for time served (595 days).

On Jan. 12, 2021, Leadville Police and Lake County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the Mt. Massive Townhomes after dispatch received a call from an unknown male saying he had shot someone. Officers began clearing units at the scene, before nearby residents provided pictures of Artica going from Unit #5 to Unit #21; and, he was identified as the gunman. After one witness walked out of Unit #21, he admitted Artica was in the same unit. Artica eventually walked out of that unit with his hands up, and was arrested immediately.

Ms. Lacome was found in Unit #5, alive with a gunshot wound to her head. She was taken to St. Vincent Family Health Center, but later died of her injuries.

Artica has a long criminal history, to include charges of theft, drug and alcohol use, domestic violence and assault. He was on parole from the Colo. Dept. of Corrections when he murdered Ms. Lacome.

“I would like to thank the efforts of the Leadville Police Department, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado State Patrol and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation for their quick response to the scene and solid investigation. Our thoughts are with Ms. Lacome’s family and friends, and we hope that today’s sentencing begins to help heal their grief for this overwhelming loss,” said Heidi McCollum, 5 ^th Judicial District Attorney.

-DA5-

DA Attends NBPA Conference in Houston!

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 21:27:29 GMT

Heidi McCollum, 5th Judicial District Attorney, attends the 39th annual National Black Prosecutors Association Conference & Job Fair in Houston, Tx., The gathering runs from July 31 - Aug. 5, 2022, and hosts panels, prominent lectures, a domestic violence forum, a youth summit, keynote speakers and law enforcement officials from around the Nation.

Leadville Man Sentenced to Life in Prison For Murdering Uncle

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Sat, 30 Jul 2022 00:24:29 GMT

LEADVILLE, Colo. – Eric Christopher Gurule, 29, of Leadville, was sentenced today to Life in Prison (without the possibility of parole) in the Colorado Department of Corrections for the First Degree Murder of his uncle and former boss, Randy Flores, 55. A jury found Gurule guilty of First Degree Murder on June 22, 2022, after deliberating only a few hours.

Gurule was arrested by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) without incident Sept. 4, 2020, in connection with the death of Mr. Flores, also a Leadville resident. LCSO Deputies responded to 1732 Highway 24, Sept. 3, 2020, responding to a 9-1-1 call, and discovered Mr. Flores dead in his home. Due to signs of a struggle and significant damage to the residence, a homicide investigation began immediately by the LCSO, with assistance from the 5 ^th Judicial District Attorney’s Office and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.

Mr. Flores was the owner of Pro-Electric, Inc.—an electric services business in the Leadville area for more than 10 years. Gurule worked at Pro-Electric, and it was proved the homicide took place at Mr. Flores’ home, where an after work gathering occurred Sept. 2, 2020, attended by several co-workers and friends.

A co-worker, Jeremy Sandoval, said he left the party around 7pm Sept. 2 ^nd , leaving Mr. Flores, two others and Gurule drinking alcohol. The next morning, when Flores did not show up for the all-employee 8am meeting, Sandoval went to Flores’ residence and found numerous broken objects, holes in the wall, cabinet doors ripped off their hinges, etc. And, he found Randy Flores, dead in his bathroom and called 9-1-1.

The two other witnesses at the party said Gurule was drinking beer and “flipped a switch”, getting confrontational with them. So, they left the party and Gurule alone with Mr. Flores. Upon questioning, Gurule admitted to being at the party drinking, but claims he woke up the next morning in his own bed, with dried blood on his nose and hands, not remembering what happened the night before.

During a voluntary CBI interview, authorities noticed Gurule had a swollen right hand, scratches on his arms, side and back; and, bruises on his right knee along with a contusion on the left side of his forehead. Per a pathologist’s report, the cause of death for Mr. Flores was severe blunt force craniocerebral injuries, with rib fractures being a significant contributor. Elements of strangulation could not be ruled out, per the pathologist.

This was not the first time Gurule had interactions with law enforcement, alcohol and related violence. Per a Commerce City Police Dept. report in 2018, Gurule was intoxicated at a bar, trying aggressively to get other patrons to drink with him. When one customer tried to get him to stop, Gurule ‘head butted’ him in his nose. When another customer tried to escort Gurule out of the bar, he was also head butted. Responding officers asked him why he was violent with the two males, and Gurule claimed to not remember anything, as well.

“I would like to thank the efforts of law enforcement and particularly the Colorado Bureau of Investigation for their quick response and willingness to lead this investigation. Our thoughts go out to Mr. Flores’ family and the community, and we hope that today’s sentencing helps close this chapter in their grief for this overwhelming loss,” said Heidi McCollum, 5 ^th Judicial District Attorney.

-DA5-

ALL PERSONS CHARGED WITH CRIMES ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT

UNTIL THE CONTRARY IS PROVEN IN A COURT OF LAW.

Breckenridge Man Wanted in Connection to Co-Worker's Death

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 20:15:50 GMT

Man Wanted in Connection to Co-Worker’s Death

Breckenridge, Colo. (Summit County) – Miles Fernando Tovar, 38, of Breckenridge, is wanted by the Breckenridge Police Department in connection to an on-going investigation of the 2019 death of his then co-worker, Brendan Rye. Defendant Tovar is charged with: 1 ^st Degree Burglary (F3), Manslaughter (F4), 1 ^st Degree Criminal Trespass (F5), and Harassment (M3).

On Nov. 6, 2019, at 9:48pm, a co-worker called 9-1-1 to report Mr. Rye was unconscious and not breathing in a condominium they were all living in while renovating it (in Breckenridge). Upon arrival, law enforcement noted that Tovar was lying on the floor in the hallway between two bedrooms, while Mr. Rye lay unresponsive in the bathroom. He was later pronounced deceased.

“I’m happy we’ve been able to move this complex case another step closer towards obtaining justice for

Mr. Rye, as well as his family and friends,” said James Baird, Breckenridge Chief of Police.

A $2500 cash reward is being offered for information leading to his arrest. Contact the Breckenridge Police Dept., Detective Jennifer Johnson, at 970-453-2251 ext. 1662, or jenniferj@townofbreckenridge.com . Tips can also be submitted through the website www.usmarshal.gov/tips , or by calling 1-877-WANTED2.

-DA5-

ALL PERSONS CHARGED WITH CRIMES ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL THE CONTRARY IS PROVEN IN A COURT OF LAW.

Colorado DA Donates Kidney to Retired High School Teacher

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Tue, 24 May 2022 17:35:36 GMT

https://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/local-news/colorado-da-donates-kidney-to-her-high-school-teacher

Courtesy The Denver Channel, 7 News Denver

A retired Colorado teacher needs a kidney. The district attorney is giving up one of hers.

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Thu, 19 May 2022 18:47:44 GMT

Fifth Judicial District Attorney Heidi McCollum to donate a kidney to retired Eagle Valley High teacher Dave Scott

By SHELLY BRADBURY | sbradbury@denverpost.com | The Denver Post

May 19, 2022 at 6:00 a.m.

The first time Fifth Judicial District Attorney Heidi McCollum mentioned donating her kidney to her old high school teacher, she said it so casually that Dave and Susan Scott weren’t sure she was serious.

“Right there in front of the courthouse, she just said it so plain, ‘I’ll give you my kidney, Dave,'” Susan Scott recounted Tuesday.

The couple, both retired teachers who put in more than three decades at Eagle Valley High School in Gypsum, were hopeful — Dave Scott, 65, was in kidney failure and needed a living donor; he likely wouldn’t live through the five-to-seven year wait for a kidney from a deceased donor.

https://www.denverpost.com/2022/05/19/kidney-donation-colorado-district-attorney-teacher/

District Attorney’s Office Recognized for Crime Victim Compensation Program, Honors National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 23:29:21 GMT

Eagle, Colo. (Eagle County) – The 5 ^th Judicial District Attorney’s (DA5) Office was recently recognized by the Colorado Office for Victims Programs in the Division of Criminal Justice for their successful work regarding the DA5’s Crime Victim Compensation (CVC) Program. For the last five years, DA5’s CVC program has paid $1,501,278 to assist 778 victims of crime in Clear Creek, Eagle, Lake and Summit Counties—DA5’s district.

As part of the Colorado Victims’ Rights Act, the CVC program is used to help victims be compensated for things such as: medical expenses, mental health counseling, dentures, medical devices, loss of earnings, outpatient care, funeral expenses, home health services and some property damage stemming from the crime(s) against them.

“Thanks to the hard work of our CVC team, we are able to help protect our vulnerable, heal our neighbors, and hold offenders accountable,” said District Attorney Heidi McCollum. “And, while we may never make someone whole from their experiences of being a victim of violence, the CVC program is one valuable tool that helps people through their toughest times,” DA McCollum added.

“Legislation in Colorado has recently been focused on defendants’ rights in criminal cases, while putting the impact to their victims on the back burner,” said DA McCollum. “Neither my office nor the law enforcement agencies I’ve talked to in my judicial district, believe the rights of any victim deserve less attention or focus. As such, we will continue to do everything we can to provide victims the services, support and true compassion they have earned a right to receive,” she added.

For more information about the DA5 CVC program: https://www.da5.us/Victims , and https://dcj.colorado.gov/dcj-offices/office-for-victims-programs .

Eagle County Recognizes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

At their weekly Eagle County Board of Commissioners’ meeting April 26, 2022, a resolution was unanimously passed designating April 24 – April 30, 2022, as ‘National Crime Victims’ Rights Week’. The commissioners recognized the fact that Americans are victims of more than 26 million crimes each year, and that each crime impacts family members, friends, neighbors and co-workers. Victims often need support for trauma caused by crime which can leave physical, emotional and financial impacts to people of all ages and abilities, and of all economic, racial and social backgrounds.

Part of their resolution reads: “WHEREAS, the Eagle County Board of Commissioners and our law enforcement partners throughout Eagle County are joining forces with victim services programs, other criminal justice officials, and concerned citizens throughout Eagle County and America to raise awareness about victims’ rights and observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week;” https://ovc.ojp.gov/ncvrw2022/overview .

-DA5-

5th Judicial District Now Accepting Applications for Charitable Contributions Fund

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 22:14:15 GMT

$41,319.74 in Grants were donated to 11 Local Non-Profits in 2021

The goal of the DA5 Charitable Contributions Fund (“CCF”) is to help provide assistance to non-profit organizations in Eagle, Summit, Lake and Clear Creek counties, that offer goods or services, which have been shown to:

1. Help prevent crimes or criminal activity; or,
2. Provide assistance to victims of crimes or criminal activity.

Applications and reference sheet may be sent to Wendi Rowles, WRowles@da5.us —no later than March 14, 2022.

Man Sentenced 8 Years to Life in Prison for Child Sexual Assault

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 20:32:36 GMT

Man Sentenced 8 Years to Life in Prison for Child Sexual Assault

Georgetown, Colo. (Clear Creek County) – Bobby Lee Fox, 73, of Aurora, was sentenced Feb. 14, 2022, to eight years to life in the Colorado Department of Corrections (DoC) for Child Sexual Assault and Abuse of a then 14-year old teenager at a cabin near Idaho Springs in the summer of 2018. Despite pleading not guilty, on Oct. 12, 2021 a Clear Creek County Jury found Fox guilty on all charges:

Count 1--Sexual Assault on a Child (By a Person in a Position of Trust) Under the Age of 15 (F3);

Count 2--Sexual Assault on a Child (F4); and,

Count 3--Child Abuse (M2)—Knowingly/Reckless—no Injury.

Fox was sentenced to eight years to life (with mandatory 5 years parole) on Count 1, and six years (concurrently) on Count 2 (with 3 years parole).

Per law enforcement investigations, the teenage boy’s mother contacted the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) to report that her 14-year old son was with a family friend (Fox) at a cabin and had texted her he was in distress because of Fox. After working at the cabin for two days, the teenager told Fox his back hurt, and Fox offered to rub it and put some lotion on it. The teen fell asleep during the massage and woke up, needing to go to the bathroom where he noticed lotion on his genitals and other areas. Forensic tests from a Colorado Bureau of Investigation lab report confirmed Fox’s DNA was present in the underwear of the teenager.

“While there is no way we can truly bring justice to the victim and his family in this case, we hope that some semblance of healing can now begin with the defendant’s sentence to a lengthy prison stay in the DoC,” said Heidi McCollum, 5 ^th Judicial District Attorney. “While there may be more Bobby Fox victims out there, my hope is you will come forward to law enforcement so we can ensure this man never hurts another child again,” she added.

-DA5-

Officer Involved Shooting Report Made Available, No Criminal Charges Filed Against Deputies

jbryan@da5.us (John Bryan) — Sat, 12 Feb 2022 22:09:50 GMT

Georgetown, Colo. (Clear Creek County) – A letter of declination from the 5 ^th Judicial District Attorney is now available at: https://www.da5.us/officer-involved-shootings .

“After a thorough review and analysis of the evidence, we find that the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Deputies’ use of deadly force was legally justified to defend themselves from the threat posed by David Oath Powell, Jr. Based on this conclusion, no criminal charges will be filed against the deputies,” said Heidi McCollum, 5 ^th Judicial District Attorney.

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation conducted an investigation regarding an officer involved shooting which occurred March 21, 2021, in Clear Creek County.

-DA5-

Murder Victims Remembered From Around 5th Judicial District

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 22:50:00 GMT

5th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, CO – On Sept. 25th, the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims will be recognized. This day, designated by the U.S. Congress in 2007, pays tribute and honors murder victims and their surviving family members. https://ovc.ojp.gov/events/national-day-remembrance-murder-victims-20

“On Sept. 25th and everyday, we ask you to take a moment and remember those lost to violence, and the families, friends and loved ones who keep their memories alive,” said Heidi McCollum, 5th Judicial District Attorney. “Despite the beautiful mountain communities we are privileged to live in each day, we are not immune from the crime of murder nor are we free from it.”

The 5th Judicial District remembers those lost during the past five years:

Clear Creek County: Eric Spencer, Mary Jo Head, Genny Morgan, Jaydee Asencio, Dakota Parsons

Eagle County: Catherine Kelley

Lake County: Jordan Gausman, Randy Flores, Yolanda Jeanette LaCome, Gary Brown

Summit County: James Bradley Nicholas, Joshua Caleb Baumann, Nichole Gough and Benjamin Mitton, Jacob Horacio Gomez-Baray, Michael Kennedy

-DA5-

Eagle County Commissioner Proclamation

ClearCreekCountyBoCCProclamation