Office of the District Attorney
18th Judicial District
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District Attorney John Kellner |
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July 20th marked the 10-year anniversary of the Aurora Theater shooting that shook our community to its core. Twelve people were killed and 70 others injured by a gunman intent on committing evil. Following this senseless tragedy, our Office pursued justice against this mass murderer. In a highly publicized trial over several months, 18th Judicial District prosecutors were able to show the full extent of the defendant’s crimes and defeat his insanity defense.
I was honored to attend a July 20th midnight vigil to remember the victims and support the survivors, first responders and police. The following Saturday, a reflection ceremony was held to honor the lives lost, lives indelibly changed and show our resiliency in moving forward following this tragedy.
Earlier in the month, I held a joint press conference with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to announce a grand jury indictment of eight individuals involved in a large-scale fentanyl distribution operation.
An investigation was opened in December 2021, following a tip regarding fentanyl trafficking. As a result of the tireless efforts of investigators, approximately 200,000 fentanyl pills along with heroin and cocaine, guns and stolen merchandise was seized. We believe the fentanyl pills are coming in from Mexico with the Denver-Metro area being used as a distribution hub. Because the DEA estimates that 40% of fentanyl pills contain a potentially lethal dose, we believe that every pill taken off the streets is a potential life saved.
Our law enforcement partners included DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, Denver Police Department, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office. While this indictment represents another step in our fight against crime, it is just the beginning of the formal justice system process. It’s important to also note that criminal charges are merely a formal accusation that an individual has committed a crime. A defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
In other news, our Cold Case Unit achieved justice in a challenging 1981 murder case. On June 30th, a jury returned guilty verdicts for murder against David Dwayne Anderson for the 1981 murder of Sylvia Quayle of Cherry Hills Village. Sentencing is scheduled on August 4.
I was the first Deputy DA assigned to our Cold Case Unit when it was started in 2013 and I remember hearing that this was a case most people said would never be solved. But time and science march on, and our commitment to seeking justice remains strong. This verdict should give hope to all those who are still waiting for justice.
Last year, I was interviewed in a special presentation from reporter Jason Gruenauer of Denver7, that highlighted three (3) of our cold case success stories. The video link is here: Cold No More, where you will learn how genetic genealogy is used to solve cold cases.
And finally, our Citizen's Academy will be held in-person from September 15 to October 26 with applications due by August 26. Details and application are here: Citizen’s Academy.
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The 18th Judicial District (JD) 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.
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COLD CASE UNIT
The Eighteenth Judicial District Cold Case Unit (CCU) started in 2013 to assist law enforcement in an effort to bring justice to those for whom it has been denied for so long. John Kellner, who
is now District Attorney, was the first prosecutor assigned to CCU.
Currently, the Cold Case Unit is comprised of a full-time prosecutor, Deputy District Attorney Grant Grosgebauer, who works in conjunction with investigators both in-house and from other law enforcement agencies to aggressively pursue the investigation of unsolved homicides. As it stands, there are more than 150 unresolved missing persons and/or murder cases throughout the judicial district.
Working together over the years, the CCU and law enforcement have solved many cold cases, some of which have resulted in subsequent prosecution and conviction. In addition, the CCU is working through all our active cold case files as part of a systematic review to attempt to revive these cases by helping generate new leads. Specifically, advancements in DNA technology and other forensic investigative tools have enabled law enforcement to re-examine cases that remained shelved for decades. The ultimate goal of the CCU is to reduce the number of unsolved homicides in the judicial district and bring some measure of closure to the families of victims.
Criminals who may have thought they had gotten away with their crime can find themselves facing charges decades later due to the dogged determination of law enforcement and the CCU.
Cold Case successes (click below):
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Aurora Theater - 10 Years Later |
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The 7/20 Memorial Foundation held a series of events to mark the 10-year anniversary of the Aurora Theater shooting that included a midnight vigil and a reflection ceremony to honor lives lost, lives indelibly changed, first responders and police, and a steadfast resiliency in moving forward. |
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Fentanyl - Grand Jury Indictment |
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My Organized Crime Unit (OCU) is committed to investigating and aggressively prosecuting the people who import and peddle this poison. Too often we hear about someone dying from taking just one of these pills. I believe this operation saved lives. It wouldn’t have been possible without the help from our partner agencies.”
~District Attorney John Kellner~
The 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office
and U.S Drug Enforcement Administration announced the indictment of 8 individuals involved in a large-scale fentanyl distribution operation during a press conference July 6.
A tip about possible fentanyl trafficking led investigators to open a case in December 2021. Over the course of several months, law enforcement spent countless hours conducting multiple drug buys and wiretap investigations.
As a result of this case, more than 200,000 fentanyl pills were seized along with 9.4 lbs. of heroin, a kilogram of cocaine, 4 guns and approximately $60,000 worth of stolen merchandise. News release is below:
Criminal charges are merely a formal accusation that an individual has committed a crime. A defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
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Brian Sugioka, Chief Deputy District Attorney, was happy to participate in the annual celebration of the 2-day Colorado Dragon Boat Festival which also happens to be the largest Dragon Boat Festival in the U.S.
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Our hard-working staff has been in the field to offer an inside look at what we do. Deputy District Attorney Kristine Rolfes discussed the juvenile justice system and
our Director of Diversion Sarah Ericson discussed diversion and restorative justice
with Citizens Offering Parker Police Support (COPPS).
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District Attorney John Kellner met with Denver South Board of Directors to discuss public safety and share knowledge about recent crime trends
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The National District Attorneys Association 7th Annual Women Prosecutors' Section Gala was an opportunity to honor some of our dedicated women prosecutors who have shown exceptional leadership & commitment to seeking justice for crime victims. |
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The Aurora First Responders Celebration honored Aurora's first responders from the Aurora Police Department, Aurora Fire Rescue and Aurora 911 and
was presented by the Aurora City Council Public Safety, Courts and Civil Service Policy Committee. Council Members: Dustin Zvonek, Danielle Jurinsky and Steve Sundberg sit on the policy committee (middle photo).
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People v. Espinosa-Tovar
On July 27, a jury found Antonio Espinosa-Tovar guilty of child abuse and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
In May 2021, officers with the Aurora Police Department were dispatched to Children’s Hospital Colorado when a 3-year-old was brought in for medical attention after ingesting an unknown opioid.
Toxicology tests taken confirmed the child had fentanyl in his system. Fortunately, medical staff was able to stabilize the child after administering three doses of Naloxone. Espinosa-Tovar will be sentenced at 8:30 a.m. on September 8.
The prosecution team included Deputy District Attorney Lauren Knapp.
News release is below:
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People v. Che-Quiab
“I am committed to aggressively prosecuting those who distribute this toxic and deadly poison in our community”
~District Attorney John Kellner~
On July 21, Arapahoe County Judge Darren Vahle sentenced Jorge Alexander Che-Quiab, to 64 years to life in prison for his role in distributing fentanyl to a 16-year-old victim who ultimately died from an overdose at a party.
Following the six-day trial that ended May 3, the jury returned guilty verdicts on charges of manslaughter, two counts of distribution of a controlled substance to a minor, two counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, sexual assault of a child, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and sexual assault (victim under 15).
The prosecution team included Chief Deputy District Attorney Darcy Kofol and Chief Deputy District Attorney Chris Gallo.
News release is below:
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People v. Anderson
An Arapahoe County jury has found David Dwayne Anderson guilty of murdering Sylvia Quayle more than four decades ago. On August 4, 1981, Quayle, 34, was found dead inside her Cherry Hills home in the 3800 block of S. Ogden Street. The Coroner’s report revealed Quayle had been stabbed multiple times and was shot in the head. The investigation also revealed she had been sexually assaulted.
In 2000, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) submitted a DNA sample to the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System, also known as CODIS. The DNA sample remained unidentified for two decades until advances in DNA linked Anderson to the crime. In 2020, the Cherry Hills Village Police Department began working with a genetic genealogy company named United Data Connect. The company provided the police department with a possible lead after samples from the decades-old cold case were entered into two public DNA databases.
The prosecution team included Deputy District Attorney Grant Grosgebauer.
News release is below:
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People v. Chinnock
Arapahoe County Judge Elizabeth Ann Weishaupl sentenced Dakota Chinnock to 60 years in the Department of Corrections for killing his girlfriend last year. On the morning of September 5, 2021, Chinnock called police to report that he found his girlfriend unconscious and not breathing in their Aurora apartment.
When officers arrived, they discovered the victim, Amanda Farley lying face up on a bedroom floor with severe swelling to her face. One officer described her face as being “unrecognizable”. The investigation also revealed multiple human bite marks on Farley’s body.
Surveillance video obtained by police also provided key evidence showing Chinnock and Farley arguing outside their apartment. Chinnock is seen grabbing an object resembling a propane tank and hitting Farley in the head with it. Surveillance footage then shows both going into the apartment and out of the camera’s view.
The prosecution team included Deputy District Attorney Lisa Gramer.
News release is below:
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In-Person Fraud Advisories |
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Common In-Person Advisories |
Check Fraud is when someone approaches you with a request to deposit or cash a check but after the check has “cleared” and it’s a fraudulent check, the deposit will be reversed on your account. You are responsible for the check amount and any bank fees attached to it.
Sometimes Family Members also take advantage of an older adult financially and these are difficult cases due to the family bond. Examples are adult children who feel entitled to their parent’s money and take it for their own use. Intimidating or isolating an older adult, name calling or trying to force them to hand over money is a form of abuse.
Guardian or Conservator - this is when a fiduciary (someone you have authorized to take care of you or your money) abuses their role. Bank or credit card activity that is unusual is a warning sign. Only appoint someone you know you can trust as an agent to make decisions about your money and health. It is important to remember you can always change your mind and revoke a POA/Conservatorship or hire a new attorney.
Medical or Caregiver Fraud scams are when your medical information is used to obtain reimbursement for services not provided. Always protect your Medicare and Social Security number. Caregiver Abuse can involve both paid and volunteer caregivers and family members who act as caregivers.
Recognize and Report!
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Fall 2022 Citizen's Academy - Register Now
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Register Now - Spaces Limited
Application Deadline August 26th
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FREE, in-person event at the Arapahoe County District Attorney's Office. Each session will explore the role of various departments within the DA’s office and will give citizens an “in-depth look at what happens from the time someone is arrested all the way through trial and sentencing.” Hear and learn from prosecutors, department staff, and law enforcement.
Areas covered during the 7-week academy:
Meet your District Attorney John Kellner, overview of the criminal justice system, misdemeanors & Traffic, felonies, intake, juvenile justice, diversion, juvenile prosecution, victim witness & compensation, economic crimes, CSI, cold case, investigations, SVU Special Victim Unit & human trafficking, organized crime unit, domestic violence, anatomy of a trial,
and more.
Last session will conclude at the Arapahoe County Courthouse.
Certificate of completion given to attendees who complete sessions.
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A quarterly town hall is part of
District Attorney John Kellner's community-focused effort.
Video link to our most recent town hall is below:
For PAST events, please click below.
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Colorado Prosecutorial Dashboards |
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The 18th Judicial District (18JD) is part of a statewide project to develop data dashboards that provide information about the work of the District Attorney’s office. The 18JD Dashboard will be tailored to meet the issues and concerns that are most important for our community and will be publicly available on our website. With your support and feedback, we can create dashboards that help us better understand areas where we are
excelling and those we can improve.
Click on Image to Enlarge
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Community Engagement & Education |
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Here to Educate, Protect, and Serve.
The District Attorney’s Office 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 participate in a public safety-related event, please Contact Us
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How It Started
“I pledged during my campaign to be open and transparent, and this tool is one step in fulfilling that promise. We are public servants, and the public has a right to meaningful information about what we do. These interactive Data Dashboards provide more information about our operations to the public. I believe this increased access to information will shed more light on the criminal justice process for my constituents.”
~District Attorney John Kellner~
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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 the Peace Officer Credibility Disclosure Notification Committee pursuant to Senate 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.
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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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Sign up for
newsletter here:
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