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 8^th.  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 9^th to rescue the two skiers.

At approximately 0500 hours on the 9^th 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.

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.

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:

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.

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 12^th 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 12^th 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.