MISSION STATEMENT
The Conejos County Sheriff's Office is dedicated and committed to working with the community to make the County of Conejos a safe and desirable place to live, work and visit. Our mission is to partner with the community to solve problems and improve public safety in a manner that is fair, impartial, transparent and consistent.
CORE VALUES
INTEGRITY: We are committed to the enforcement of laws and the preservation of order and property. We are honest, truthful, and consistent in our words and actions, and therefore worthy of public's trust.
PROFESSIONALISM: We treat the public and our colleagues with courtesy and respect. We understand that our appearance, words, and demeanor contribute to the public's confidence in us.
EMPATHY: We have compassion for victims of crime. As members of the community, we have respect for and promote the diversity of the community.
- GARTH CROWTHER, SHERIFF
- BLAKE CROWTHER, UNDERSHERIFF
Sheriff
Address:
PO Box 37
Conejos, CO 81129
14044 CO RD G.5
Antonito, Colorado 81120
Phone: (719) 376-2196
Fax: (719) 376-2557
Jail: (719) 376-6778
Hours of Operation:
Monday thru Friday, 8:am to 4:30 pm (except holidays)
NEWS RELEASE
CONEJOS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
SHERIFF GARTH CROWTHER
14044 County Road G.5
Antonito, Colorado 81120
Phone # 719-376-2196
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Date: April 24, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Search Continues for Missing Man in Conejos County
Conejos County, CO — April 24, 2025 — The search continues for Rodney Guilinger, who was reported missing on April 16, 2025. His vehicle was located by the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office on April 17 along Forest Road 380 near Elwood Pass.
Search and rescue operations have been active in the area for the past nine days. Ground teams have been deployed daily, working tirelessly through challenging terrain and adverse conditions. Due to inclement weather, aerial support was not possible during the initial two days of the search. However, once conditions improved, two helicopter teams were able to assist in aerial reconnaissance. Along with drone teams.
The Sheriff’s Office has utilized two different canine search teams and is currently arranging for the deployment of a specialized K-9 unit from New Mexico. In addition, specialized equipment from the Colorado Division of Wildlife is being brought in from Denver to aid in the ongoing efforts.
The Conejos County Sheriff’s Office is committed to continuing the search with all available resources and personnel.
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the following agencies and organizations for their vital assistance:
- Colorado Bureau of Investigation
- U.S Forest Service
- Mineral County Search and Rescue
- Rio Grande County Sheriff’s Office
- Alamosa County Sheriff’s Office
- Springfield Police Department
- Costilla County Sheriff’s Office
- Flight for Life
- Air Guard
- Colorado Division of Wildlife
- Bloodhound Man Trackers
Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of Mr. Guilinger during this difficult time.
Date: March 26, 2025
Conejos County Possible Fire Ban: Safety Reminder for Spring and Summer
As we approach the spring and summer seasons, Conejos County is currently facing dry conditions and a low snowpack, which have led to concerns regarding the potential for increased wildfire risk. Due to these factors, there is a very high possibility that a fire ban will be put into effect in the near future to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors.
We remain hopeful that conditions will improve, allowing us to avoid the implementation of a ban, but we want to keep our community informed and prepared.
It’s important to note that on Red Flag Days, a Stage One Fire Ban will automatically go into effect for the day. A Red Flag Warning is issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) when weather conditions, including high winds and low humidity, create a heightened risk of fire danger. These warnings indicate that conditions are conducive to rapid fire spread, and special caution should be taken.
We encourage everyone to stay informed. To determine whether a Red Flag Warning is in effect, please refer to the National Weather Service website or call the Communication Center at 719-589-5807.
As you begin your spring and summer activities, please be vigilant when burning or cleaning up debris. Ensure all fires are properly contained, and take necessary precautions to avoid accidental ignition.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and for helping keep Conejos County safe.
Sincerely,
Garth Crowther
Conejos County Sheriff
February 28, 2025
Dear Community Members,
I am writing to inform you of an exciting opportunity to join the Conejos County Sheriff's Office as a Deputy Road Officer. Starting salary is $26.46/hr and is full time. We are seeking individuals who are enrolled in a police academy either certified or plan to graduate this spring.
If you are currently enrolled in an academy and will be graduating in good standing, upon interviewing and selecting a candidate, we will offer conditional employment with a full appointment upon successful graduation.
All interested applicants are encouraged to visit the Sheriff's Office or contact Human Resources Department. You can obtain an application by contacting cricci@co.conejos.co.us, or picking one up at the Sheriff’s Office. For inquiries call 719-376-2196 or 719-376-6799. Once submitted, applicants will be notified of a date and time for an interview.
This is a fantastic opportunity to serve your community, and we look forward to reviewing your application. The application deadline is March 31, 2025.
Sincerely,
Sheriff Garth Crowther
Conejos County Sheriff
Conejos County Sheriff's Office
February 12, 2025
Dear Members of the Community,
We are reaching out to request your cooperation and assistance in keeping our backcountry roads safe this winter/spring season. As you may have noticed, this year has presented unusual weather patterns, and we are experiencing conditions that are far from typical. Specifically, there has not been enough snow accumulation in certain areas to keep people from accessing the backcountry roads.
Unfortunately, this has resulted in several individuals getting stranded in deeper snow, requiring emergency assistance. Over the past two weeks, we have received numerous calls for help, and we want to avoid any further dangerous situations.
We urge everyone to please avoid traveling on these backcountry roads until conditions improve. While the desire to enjoy the outdoors is understandable, the safety risks are significant right now as vehicles can easily become stuck in snowdrifts or rough terrain.
Your safety is our primary concern, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work together to ensure a safe winter/spring season for all.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office at 719-376-2196.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Sheriff Garth Crowther
Conejos County Sheriff's Office
CONEJOS COUNTY SHERIFF
NEWS RELEASE
14044 County Road G.5
Antonito, CO 81129
Phone # 719-376-2196
Sheriff Garth Crowther
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Date: 01/08/24 Time: 1620 hrs.
On Sunday January 8, 2024 the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office was notified of two stranded Cross Country Skiers near the Trujillo Meadows Reservoir turn off on Colorado Highway 17. Richard Strong (46) of Santa Fe New Mexico and Brian Biggert (47) of Denver, were attempting to ski into the Flat Mountain Yurt, when they became stranded in a severe snow storm. The Skiers were well equipped and were in possession of a SPOT Device, which was deployed when they realized they were in trouble. Sheriff Crowther and Deputies responded to the Trail Head where the two individuals’ vehicles were located. A witness at the Trail Head reported seeing Richard and Brian leaving the area at approximately 0900 on the morning of the 8th. He stated that they looked to be well equipped and seemed to know where they were going.
Communication was made with Richard and Brian via SPOT Text. It was made know that they did have supplies to make it through the night. Due to the horrible weather conditions, a plan was made for Search and Rescue to start early on the morning of the 9th to rescue the two skiers.
At approximately 0500 hours on the 9th Officers from the U.S. Forest Service and Conejos County Sheriff’s Office responded back to the Trail Head with snowmobiles and a snowcat, attempting to reach the stranded skiers. After several hours and many attempts, searchers found the two individuals approximately 3 miles west of Highway 17, bogged down in deep powdery snow.
Richard and Brian were uninjured but extremely tired. They were transported out to the Trail Head via snowmobile and snowcat to their vehicles, where they were able to return to their respective homes.
The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind people who are venturing into the wilderness to check weather reports before they head out. Conditions can change rapidly this time of year, and without the proper equipment survival can be difficult if not impossible.
Search & Rescue Press Release 12/30/2023
On December 30, 2023 at approximately 2200 hours Conejos County Sheriff’s Office received a
report of a missing snowmobiler near the Trujillo Meadows area. A 64 year old single rider went
up earlier in the day to spend the day riding. Family noticed later in the evening that he had not
returned home. Family went up in an attempt to locate him. His truck and trailer were located but
no sign of him or the sled.
A team was put together and assistance from Flight for Flight was requested. The Forest
Service also responded to assist. At approximately 0230 a snowmobile team along with Flight
began searching the area. The team returned at approximately 0530 and did not locate the
party.
The team and Flight refueled and continued the search at approximately 0800. At 0900 Flight
located the party. The party did not sustain any injuries, and was transported back to his vehicle.
Conejos County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend a great Thank You to the Forest Service,
Flight for Life, Conejos Search and Rescue Members and all the snowmobilers who assisted in
the search.
Conejos County Job Openings
The Conejos County Sheriff’s Office is seeking applicants for the following positions;
Patrol Deputy Sheriff: Applicant must be able to pass a criminal background check and drug screen, and be Colorado POST certified or be able to obtain certification. Must be 21+ years and possess a valid driver’s license.
Job duties to include enforcing state and local laws relating to public safety and welfare; investigating violations of any state or local laws; enforcing local, state, and federal motor vehicle code violations. Must be able to work and interact with the public and colleagues in a professional & respectful manner, while upholding the core values and mission of the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office.
Starting pay; $46,470 with the potential for a higher range, dependent on applicant’s experience and qualifications.
Detention Deputy: Applicant must be able to pass a criminal background check and drug screen, must be 18+ years and have a High School diploma or equivalent.
Job duties to include performing the day to day operations of the jail, perform routine work in the safekeeping of inmates, process arrest/booking paperwork for the courts and detention, oversee inmates during transports, and testify in court when needed.
Starting pay; $37, 674 with the potential for a higher range, dependent on applicant’s experience and qualifications.
If you are ready to join our team and make a difference in our communities, applications are available at the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office 719-376-2196 or Conejos County Human Resources Office 719-376-6799.
January 1, 2024 Public Service Announcement
January 1, 2024
Public Service Announcement:
The Sheriff’s Office has been taking numerous calls for property theft across the County. When Deputies arrive at the scene of the call, victims report what has been taken, but have no specific information to identify their property. On numerous occasions Deputies come across items that are possibly or obviously stolen. The Problem is positive confirmation that the property they are in contact with is indeed stolen property. The question then arises, how does a victim keep track of and identify what is rightfully theirs if recovered
Deputies would like to offer suggestions for citizens that will help in recovering items. Simply writing down serial numbers on items of value along with make, model, color, and year of manufacture are all pertinent. Other physical identifiers such as dents, dings, missing pieces, or other specific details that would help in identifying items should be noted. Another simple and faster way of collecting and storing information of property is taking a couple photographs. One photo of the overall item and another of the serial number should be sufficient, then store the photos in a safe place. If the property is ever taken and recovered, simply being able to match serial numbers will make returning the property to the owner much easier.
12th Judicial District hosting warrant clearance
12th Judicial District hosting warrant clearance
ALAMOSA — Is there an outstanding warrant for your arrest and you are tired of worrying about a run-in with law enforcement? Do you need access to free community resources? The 12th Judicial District's warrant clearance day and community resource fair may hold the key to clearing up your past and moving on with your future.
On Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, from noon to 6 p.m. at the Alamosa Combined Court (8955 Independence Way in Alamosa), the courts, public defender, and district attorney for the 12th Judicial District (Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Rio Grande and Saguache counties) will come together to help people clear their warrants and get connected with resources to be successful in moving forward and resolving their legal matters.
Offenses that are eligible for warrant clearance include most misdemeanor, traffic, and petty offenses including many drug charges. To see if your warrant qualifies, contact the Clerk of Court's office at 719-589-4996.
In addition to clearing warrants, attendees can connect with a variety of community resources and other assistance. Organizations in attendance will include Adelante Family Resource Center, La Puente Crisis Prevention, San Luis Valley Behavioral Health Group, Tu Casa, Colorado Legal Services, and the Immigration Resource Center.
For more information about the event, contact Lisa Mizell at 719-589-7621 or caitlin.mizell@iudicial.state.co.us.