Office of the District Attorney
18th Judicial District
April 2024
District Attorney John Kellner
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This month, we held our 7th Annual Victims’ Rights Week Awards Ceremony.I am pleased to announce this year’s winners:
Outstanding Law Enforcement Advocate: Janet Maloney – Victim Services Coordinator, Elbert County Sheriff’s Office
District Attorney Investigator of the Year: Jon Nelsen
District Attorney Victim Specialist of the Year:Jennifer Gosko
Outstanding Non-Profit:Erica Johnson – Director, Elbert County Coalition for Outreach
Outstanding Victim Service: Amy Valentine – Volunteer Victim Advocate, Castle Rock Police Department
Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer: Bev Wilson – Detective, Parker Police Department
District Attorney Support Staff of the Year: Amber Cochran
District Attorney Prosecutor of the Year:Jason Siers
In courtroom news, defendant David Lechner was sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole for murdering his wife last year in Arapahoe County. Their divorce was set to be finalized the next day when Lechner confronted her inside her garage with a stun gun and then shot her three times at point-blank range.
This heinous murder shocked the community and Mr. Lechner deserves to spend every last minute of his life behind bars. Under Colorado law, a First-Degree Murder conviction carries an automatic life sentence with no possibility of parole. You can review our news release here.
Also in Arapahoe County, Eugene Robertson was found guilty on multiple counts of attempted murder and felony menacing during a 2022 crime spree. This case began when Robertson pulled a gun on a Burger King employee who refused to accept drugs in exchange for food. The defendant then went across the street to a gas station, threatened a store clerk, shot at a TV surveillance monitor and then fired at two people in the parking lot. Robertson then fled a friend’s apartment and when they wouldn’t let him inside, Robertson fired rounds into a door. Fortunately, no one was injured in any of these incidents.
I can’t imagine how traumatized these victims were not knowing whether the defendant would pull the trigger while pointing a gun at them.I commend the Aurora Police Department for quickly apprehending this dangerous defendant and ending his crime spree. Sentencing is set for August 9 and Robertson faces more than 400 years in prison. News release is here.
An Arapahoe County jury also found John Thoren III guilty of second-degree murder stemming from a rock-throwing incident. Thoren was asleep inside his parked semi-truck when an unknown woman began throwing rocks at his truck. Instead of calling 9-1-1 or leaving the scene, Thoren pulled out a gun and shot the woman. While citizens have the right to bear arms and protect themselves from imminent danger, the evidence did not support this defendant’s claims that his life was in danger. Jurors recognized this was not a case of self-defense.Sentencing is set for July 22. News release is here.
In a Douglas County courtroom, Michelle D. Branch was sentenced to more than two decades in prison after killing two people in a drunk driving crash. In 2022, a mother and son were on the side of the road changing a flat tire. A Colorado State Patrol officer had parked his vehicle with emergency lights flashing behind the disabled vehicle when Branch crashed into them. This case is yet another reminder of the devastating impact drunk driving has on our community.Even though state law currently says these drunk driving incidents are probation eligible, I will continue to seek lengthy prison sentences for offenders who make the selfish decision to put innocent lives at risk. The news release is here.
Also in Douglas County, defendant Jorge Armando Guzman was sentenced to 20 years in prison for shooting at a Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) deputy during a pursuit. Prior to the shooting, Guzman and his accomplice, Melinda Maldonado, were trying to steal car parts. A deputy attempted to pull over an SUV matching the description of the suspect vehicle. That’s when Maldonado sped off, driving more than 100 mph while Guzman fired a total of 5 shots at the deputy. The pair eventually crashed and were taken into custody without further incident. These defendants have no connection to the Highlands Ranch area and came down here for the sole purpose of committing crimes.Anyone who is willing to shoot at a deputy and drive recklessly to get away deserves a sentence in the Department of Corrections. The news release is here.
Lastly, National Crime Victims Rights’ Week was April 21 to April 27. I want to recognize the valiant and tireless efforts of the men and women who advocate for victims and seek justice on behalf of victims in the 18th Judicial District. Their work is instrumental in our criminal justice system. I know the court process can be exhausting and intimidating for people who have never been through the system. Advocates often work long hours to ensure the people they represent have a voice in the courtroom. I deeply appreciate that Senator Rhonda Fields and Senator Tom Sullivan honored our Victim Advocate team at the state Capitol by recognizing their tremendous work on behalf of our community.
| The 18th Judicial District is comprised of four counties: Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln Our office proudly serves over 1.1 million people. The 18th JD is the most populated judicial district in the state of Colorado. |
Spotlight
Congratulations to 2024 Victims' Rights Week Award Winners!
18th Judicial District Attorney's Office
Outstanding Law Enforcement Advocate
Janet Maloney
Victim Services Coordinator, Elbert County Sheriff’s Office
District Attorney Investigator of the Year
Jon Nelsen
District Attorney Victim Specialist of the Year
Jennifer Gosko
Outstanding Non-Profit
Erica Johnson
Director, Elbert County Coalition for Outreach
Outstanding Victim Service
Amy Valentine
Volunteer Victim Advocate, Castle Rock Police Department
Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer
Bev Wilson
Detective, Parker Police Department
District Attorney Support Staff of the Year
Amber Cochran
District Attorney Prosecutor of the Year
Jason Siers
Community Engagement
Senator Rhonda Fields and Senator Tom Sullivan recognized District Attorney John Kellner and the remarkable efforts of the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office dedicated team of Victim Advocates on the Senate floor at the State Capitol for the kickoff of National Crime Victims' Rights Week.
Corrie E. Caler, Senior Deputy DA spoke at Douglas County's
Homeless Initiative to discuss how our Office is currently supporting those who are unhoused in the criminal justice system and an effort outside of our state that addresses homelessness through a court system.
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Madison Lengel accepted a proclamation to recognize National Crime Victims' Rights Week from Mayor Jeff Toborg, town of Parker, and also from
Mayor Stephanie Piko, city of Centennial.
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Jacob Kremin, Senior Deputy DA discussed our efforts to combat human trafficking at Centennial Rotary. Thanks to Arapahoe County Commissioner Carrie Warren-Gully and Centennial Council Member Robyn Carnes, both who
had attended to offer support and provide updates as well.
Colorado’s Human Trafficking Hotline
24/7 HOTLINE:CALL 866.455.5075TEXT 720.999.9724
Investigator Doug Kasten conducted Mandatory Reporter Training for mandatory reporters (school staff, law enforcement, volunteer fire/EMS, Department of Health and Human Services) in Lincoln County.This training was in partnership with the 18th Judicial District Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), as a means to building connected communities for Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). |
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Steve Fauver, Senior Deputy DA, Economic Crime Unit (ECU) discussed financial crimes against businesses that include theft, scams, identity theft and forgery. Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office joined the conversation to discuss property crimes, both retail and residential.
Senior Law & Safety Summit Register Now
What Is the Senior Law & Safety Summit?
Our objective is to provide educational information and resources on fraud prevention, crime prevention, safety & health, and elder law so as to minimize the threat of physical and financial exploitation of older residents in Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln Counties. Community outreach, education, and open conversations are key lines of defense regarding prevention. Event is held every 2 years. Register now!
SLSS Summit Details
When: Saturday, July 13th, 2024
Time: 8:30am to 3:00pm
Topics: Charles Schwab Conference Center - Lone Tree, CO
Opening Session: District Attorney John Kellner, Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office, Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Lone Tree Police Department, and South Metro Fire & Rescue.
Workshop Speakers: Office of the District Attorney - 18th Judicial District, Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office, Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Better Business Bureau, CU Anschutz VESPA, Colorado Bureau of Investigations, Securities & Exchange Commission, South Metro Fire & Rescue, Glatstein & O'Brien LLP, Chayet & Danzo LLC, The Dementia Friendly Foundation, and a few more guest speakers (16 Workshops).
Exhibitor Tables: Exhibitors from federal, state, district government agencies, elder law firms, and non-profits.
Ask-A-Lawyer: Attendees can set an appointment to meet with an attorney for a free one-on-one consultation in the areas of estate planning, wills & trusts, powers of attorney, probate, elder law and guardianship & conservatorship proceedings.
Lunch will be provided.
Space Is Limited : Register Here
Questions: 720.874.8487 | jsorrells@coda18.gov
Consumer Fraud Protection Unit
Schedule a presentation on Consumer Fraud Protection for your organization, business or community. Learn more about current trends, concerns, and fraudulent activities in our district, around Colorado, and nationally.
Report potential or suspicious consumer fraud to our Director of Consumer Fraud at this email:consumer@coda18.gov
Website link: Consumer Fraud Protection
Community Conversations
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A quarterly town hall is part of
District Attorney John Kellner's
community-focused effort.
Our latest townhall video
with special Guest Chief Kirk Wilson
of Lone Tree P.D. is here.
For PAST events, please click button below.
In the Courtroom
Castle Rock woman sentenced to prison for double-fatal drunk driving crash on I-25
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Michelle D. Branch, 49, has been sentenced to more than two decades in the Department of Corrections after killing a mother and her son in a drunk driving crash in 2022. Around 10:30 p.m. on October 12, 2022, Amber Villarreal and her 18-year-old son, Elijah, were changing a tire on the northbound side of I-25 near milepost 182 in Douglas County. A Colorado State Trooper responded to assist and activated his emergency lights while parked behind the disabled vehicle when Branch crashed into them. Branch initially told state troopers on scene that she “did not realize she was in a crash.” Troopers notated the smell of alcohol on her breath and when questioned further, Branch admitted to drinking prior to driving.
Full news release is here.
Husband sentenced to life in prison for killing wife 1 day before divorce was set to be finalized
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On April 22, 2024, District Court Judge Jacob Edson sentenced David Samuel Lechner, 46, to life in prison with no possibility of parole for murdering his wife in her garage last year. Just after 8 a.m. on March 30, 2023, deputies with the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a shooting call at a home in the 5200 Block of S. Geneva Way in Centennial. When deputies arrived on scene, they found a woman, later identified as TracyLechner, deceased on the garage floor next to her SUV. An autopsy report ruled her death a homicide from multiple gunshot wounds. In addition to multiple neighbors hearing gunshots, one witness reported seeing Lechner standing over his wife, pulling the trigger at point blank range and then running to his getaway car. In an attempt to stop Lechner from fleeing, the witness rammed his Rental Truck into the side of Lechner’s car. Deputies were eventually able to arrest Lechner without incident down the street.
Full news release is here.
Jury convicts Aurora man who threatened Burger King employee with a gun, among other felony charges
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A jury in Arapahoe County has found Eugene Robertson, 40, guilty on 8 counts of Attempted Murder (Extreme Indifference), 4 counts of Felony Menacing, Illegal Discharge of a Firearm, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Harassment, and two counts of Reckless Endangerment following a 2022 crime spree. Around 11 p.m. on October 17, 2022, Robertson ordered food at a Burger King located in the 600 block of S. Buckley Road in Aurora. After pulling up to the drive-thru window, Robertson attempted to pay for his meal with drugs. When the employee declined to accept that form of payment, Robertson pulled out a gun and pointed it at the employee before driving away.
Full news release is here.
Jury convicts truck driver who shot and killed woman over rock throwing
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Following a 4-day jury trial in Arapahoe County, John David Thoren III, 44, was convicted of second-degree murder on Friday, April 12. In the overnight hours of October 28, 2022, Thoren was sleeping in his semi-truck at a Boot Barn parking lot on S. Parker Road. Around 2:30 a.m., he said he awoke to an unknown woman throwing rocks at the driver side of his truck According to Thoren, he told the woman to stop and then showed a gun. He told police that he cracked open the door and stated that if she didn’t stop throwing rocks, she would be shot. Sentencing is set for July 22, 2024.
Full news release is here.
Aurora man sentenced to two decades in prison for attempted murder of a sheriff’s deputy in Douglas County
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On April 23, 2024, District Court Judge Ryan J. Stuart sentenced Jorge Armando Guzman, 42, to 20 years in the Department of Corrections for shooting at a sheriff’s deputy during a pursuit in Douglas County. Around 3:45 a.m. on September 5, 2021, a deputy with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a home in the 9700 block of Millstone Court on a “vehicle trespass” call. A deputy later spotted an SUV fitting the description of the suspect vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The vehicle refused to pull over and reached speeds in excess of 100 mph. During the chase, the passenger in the SUV, later identified as Guzman, fired 5 shots at the deputy.
Guzman accomplice was identified as Melinda Maldonado.
Full news release is here.
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All News Releases are here.
18th Judicial District Attorney's Office
Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert & Lincoln Counties
Data Dashboard
District Attorney John Kellner spoke at the launch when eight (8) Colorado District Attorneys’ offices participating in a pilot phase, unveiled “data dashboards,” a new publicly-available resource designed to promote more effective, just, and transparent decision-making in prosecution. The dashboards were created through the pilot phase of the Colorado Prosecutorial Dashboards project. The project will next create the tools and infrastructure needed to scale up use of data in DA's offices statewide.
Community Engagement & Education
Here to Educate, Protect, and Serve.
The District Attorney’sOffice hosts, supports, and attends community events to provide an important presence in making community members aware that we are here to listen and to help work with them to strengthen the community against crime and violence.
If you are interested in having our office speak to your organization or in a public safety-related event, please email [emailprotected]
Reports
PEACE OFFICER CREDIBILITY DISCLOSURE NOTIFICATION
Effective January 1, 2022: Consistent with the requirements under state law, our office has adopted and implemented a policy based on the model created by thePeace Officer Credibility Disclosure Notification Committee pursuant toSenate Bill 21-174.This policy seeks to establish uniform and consistent standards requiring law enforcement agencies to disclose specific information to the district attorney that may impact the credibility of a peace officer in a criminal prosecution, and to establish procedures for the district attorney to timely disclose such information to the defense under the Colorado Rules of Criminal Procedure and to increase transparency to allow members of the public to access information concerning peace officers
who are subject to a credibility disclosure notification.
Job Opportunities
We are Hiring!
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Interested in joining the District Attorney’s office for the largest jurisdiction in Colorado with easy access to the Denver Metro Area? Click Here
We offer a generous benefits package, including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, 401K matching, paid holidays and PTO.
Additionally, the 18th Judicial District also provides:
• Career advancement opportunities
• Trainings / Continuing Education
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness opportunities for those who qualify.
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