A criminal conviction in our state means more than just incarceration or paying a fine. It often means a criminal record that will impact the individual’s personal and professional life long after the sentence is served. A Colorado Grand Jury recently indicted four people in an alleged crime ring on a multitude of charges that include distribution of a controlled substance, motor vehicle theft and possession of a weapon. A conviction on any of these charges can mean serious penalties.
The Attorney General’s office reported that the investigation against the crime ring started in September of last year after Arby’s employees in Commerce City reported an abandoned vehicle in the parking lot. Police placed a tracking device on the car, which eventually led them to one of the accused. The 20-year-old man informed them of the crime ring.
Investigators later found over 20 stolen cars on the property of another of the accused, a 58-year-old man who is the alleged leader of the group. The house reportedly had security cameras all around the outside. According to reports, police found at least 30 firearms, drugs and drug paraphernalia inside the home. Police concluded that the ring operated from this location and used stolen cars and guns as currency to exchange for meth and other drugs.
One of the accused, a 24-year-old woman, has yet to be taken into custody. Three men have been arrested. They collectively face 35 criminal counts related to the theft of guns and cars and the distribution of drugs. Although they allegedly worked together as a group, each of them faces their charges individually in a Colorado courtroom. Therefore, they would each do well to seek legal representation that protects their rights and their best interests as they defend themselves against the charges.
Source: ABC 7 News, Drug, gun and car theft ring indicted by a Colorado Grand Jury, Phil Tenser, Dec. 9, 2013