DENVER, CO- An investigation that lasted over one year has resulted in the arrests of 14 adults and four minors on a total of 185 criminal charges, including 166 felonies and 19 misdemeanors, police said. The Aurora Police Department said the 13-month investigation found the 18 individuals were members of a local criminal organization responsible for over 20 incidents statewide, KDVR reported.
The operation was led by the Regional Anti-Violence Enforcement Network, a task force comprised of law enforcement agencies across the metro-Denver area.
“This regional partnership sends a clear message that those charged with violent and organized criminal activity will be pursued across jurisdictional boundaries, while reinforcing our commitment to protecting residents and holding individuals accountable through the justice system,” said Arapahoe County Sheriff Tyler S. Brown in a statement.
The eighteen arrested include:
Brandon McAfee, 48, faces 11 charges, including weapons charges;
Daniel Lopez, 20, faces 16 charges including conspiracy to commit murder;
Diego Rodriguez-Balderrama, 18, faces 26 charges including conspiracy to commit murder and weapons charges;
Gina Bramlett, 59, two charges, including being an accessory and attempting to influence a public servant;
Griselda Muniz, 38, four charges, including weapons charges;
Nicole Garcia, 47, 11 charges including weapons charges;
Oscar Aguilar-Rea, 18, 14 charges, including attempted first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first degree murder;
Guagalupe Lopez, 19, 13 charges, including attempted first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder;
Armando Valdez, 23, faces nine charges, including attempted first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder;
Christian Mayfield, 21, 5 charges, including aggravated robbery;
Christopher Smith, 21, 5 charges, including aggravated robbery;
Lakeno Conde-Smith, 18, 8 charges, including attempted first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder;
Tom Cruz-Monfil, 21, 11 charges, including attempted first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and aggravated robbery;
Devyn Roman, 22, 10 charges, including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder.
The 18 face an assortment of charges, including violation of the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act, attempted first-degree murder, first-degree assault, and aggravated robbery, including a host of others. All will be tried in Denver District Court.
The juveniles arrested included a 16-year-old male and three 17-year-old males, whose identities were not released due to their age. Said participating agencies included those in Aurora, Bennett, Commerce City, Denver, Frederick, Firestone, Greeley, and Parker, plus the counties of Arapahoe, Denver, Douglas and Weld.
A news release said that Investigators served 67 search warrants and seized 31 firearms during the operation.
“This investigation demonstrates what can be accomplished when law enforcement agencies work together to hold violent offenders accountable and disrupt criminal networks operating across our communities,” Aurora Deputy Chief Mark Hildebrand, head of the APD’s Investigations Division, which includes the RAVEN Task Force. “Over 13 months, this regional effort resulted in 18 arrests, 166 felony charges, and the seizure of 31 firearms, addressing serious crimes that affected 13 jurisdictions across the Denver metro area and northern Colorado.
“These results reflect the commitment of our partner agencies to protecting our communities and ensuring those responsible for violent crime are held accountable for their actions and widespread victimization.”
“RAVEN’s success demonstrates the strength of collaboration among law enforcement agencies and our shared commitment to keeping communities safe,” said Arapahoe County Sheriff Tyler Brown. “By combining investigative expertise, resources, and coordinated efforts across jurisdictions, our partner agencies helped disrupt this alleged criminal network.
“This regional partnership sends a clear message that those charged with violent and organized criminal activity will be pursued across jurisdictional boundaries, while reinforcing our commitment to protecting residents and holding individuals accountable through the justice system.”
Police are asking anyone with additional information to contact the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. Tipsters may remain anonymous, and up to a $2,000 reward is available.
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