Jefferson County Sheriff's Office · Quarter 2 2026
LEA Report
Law Enforcement Authority
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Quarter 2 2026 Law Enforcement Authority report covers events, staffing, response times, crime trends, and notable activity from April through June 2026.
Events & News
Highlights from the second quarter — Front Range counties align on Hi-Lo evacuation alerts, a coordinated response to car meetups, 24 new deputies join the JCSO, and summer youth academies reach a new generation.
Front Range counties unite around standardized emergency alert messaging
The counties along Colorado's Front Range are joining forces to implement clear, standardized evacuation messaging for major disasters and emergencies. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office of Emergency Management — along with Arapahoe County, Clear Creek County, and Jeffcom 911 dispatch — are now aligned with Boulder and Douglas counties in using the Hi-Lo audible warning system for evacuations. The Hi-Lo system uses a distinctive alternating high-low siren from emergency vehicles to alert residents during an evacuation order. It does not replace other emergency notifications but adds another way to warn people when cell service, internet, or power may be unavailable. The Hi-Lo tone is used only for an evacuation order when there is an immediate threat to life, and residents must leave right away. It's simple: when you hear Hi-Lo, it's time to go.
- Order: Leave immediately. Do not delay.
- Warning: Prepare to leave. Those who need extra time should evacuate early.
- Shelter in Place: Go indoors, close and lock doors and windows, and remain inside until further notice.
- Sign up for emergency notifications by texting "LookoutAlert" to 67283 or at www.lookoutalert.co.
Shared interest, shared responsibility: keeping car meetups safe and legal
Over the past few months, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office has addressed at least six known car meetups in the county. Gathering around a shared interest in vehicles is not illegal, but reckless driving, trespassing, property damage and traffic violations are not tolerated. When we learn about a planned meetup, we may contact organizers in advance to explain safety concerns, permitting requirements and possible consequences of holding an unauthorized event. Because these gatherings often occur in large commercial parking lots, we also work with property owners and businesses to address potential damage, liability, traffic disruptions and trespassing enforcement. JCSO also partners with neighboring law enforcement agencies for coordinated operations. Deputies and officers take enforcement action when they observe illegal behavior and use available technology to monitor activity and respond quickly. We recognize that many vehicle enthusiasts gather responsibly. Our focus is on conduct that puts people or property at risk. Those planning unauthorized events or illegal driving activity should know that law enforcement, property owners and businesses are working together to prepare and respond.
Welcome to our new deputies
Congratulations to the POST graduates of the JCSO and Lakewood Combined Regional Academy, Class 2026-1. We are proud to welcome 24 dedicated new deputies to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. Throughout the academy, they put in long days, made personal sacrifices, faced challenges head-on, and showed the grit it takes to serve this community. Their hard work and commitment have prepared them for this calling, and we are honored to have them wear the JCSO uniform. Ever thought about a career in law enforcement? Now is your chance — sign up for our next academy.
Summer fun with Jeffco youth
This summer, JCSO continued its annual Youth Academy for Jefferson County teens ages 14 to 18, giving 20 students a hands-on, behind-the-scenes look at SWAT, drones, patrol, traffic, detentions, the bomb squad and more.
First-ever Elementary School Youth Academy
We also launched our first-ever Elementary School Youth Academy for students ages 9 to 11, featuring an obstacle course, bike safety rodeo, vehicle displays and demonstrations from several JCSO teams. Both free programs gave students a fun and engaging way to learn more about law enforcement and the people who serve their community. With the teen academy filling each year and strong interest in the new elementary program, we hope to add a middle school academy next summer.
Staffing, Response Times & Emergency Management
Twenty-four new deputies joined a force staffed at 93.9% sworn, priority-one calls and response times across the three precincts, and an Emergency Management quarter that included the June flood response in Kittredge and Evergreen.
Staffing the JCSO
As of June 30, the JCSO was considered 93.9% staffed with sworn personnel and 88.8% staffed with professional personnel. The annualized attrition rates through the second quarter were 9.1% for professional staff and 9.4% for sworn staff. Generally, an attrition rate between 5–10% is considered low and healthy. The vacancy rate for sworn personnel was 6.1%. The ideal vacancy rate is 5% or less. Funded — 558 sworn · 305 professional · 863 total Actual — 524 sworn · 270.75 professional · 794.75 total Unfilled — 34 sworn · 34.25 professional · 68.25 total
- 1 Sheriff · 1 Undersheriff · 5 Division Chiefs · 21 Commanders · 56 Sergeants
- 47 Deputy Sheriff Investigators · 2 Special Unit Leads
- 425 Deputy Sheriff (POST) & Department Certified
- Total Funded: 558 sworn
Priority One calls
A Priority One call is a "call for service which is critical or in-progress, where immediate intervention is required to avert personal injury, or where prompt arrival is necessary to affect criminal apprehension." Response times can be very different for the three precincts, based on elements like staffing, geography, and weather. Mountain Precinct (10 min target) — Apr: 33 calls / 9:38 · May: 30 / 9:25 · Jun: 49 / 11:22 North Precinct (7 min target) — Apr: 44 / 7:27 · May: 44 / 9:59 · Jun: 62 / 9:26 South Precinct (5 min target) — Apr: 101 / 7:36 · May: 149 / 7:28 · Jun: 137 / 8:17
Emergency Services Section
Emergency Management continues to advance key initiatives while strengthening operational readiness, community partnerships, and response and recovery capabilities. This includes the following, which took place in the second quarter:
- Emergency feeding contracts have been executed, ensuring first responders, evacuees, and community members impacted by an incident will have access to meal services when needed.
- Requests for Proposals (RFPs) were developed to find debris management partners that will strengthen recovery capabilities following a disaster.
- Emergency Management increased its presence at events throughout the county to further build relationships and increase public awareness of emergency preparedness resources.
June flooding support
During the June flooding event impacting the Kittredge and Evergreen areas, Emergency Management provided support to responders and affected community members, assisting with coordination and resource needs. These efforts reinforced the importance of continued preparedness, strong partnerships, and maintaining the ability to support the community before, during, and after emergencies.
Crime Prevention, SRO & Detention
Community Resource Deputy Mark Bybee, School Resource Officers, and the Detention Facility — community engagement, school safety, and care of inmates in custody.
Crime prevention & education
Community Resource Deputy Mark Bybee addresses citizen concerns and shares vital information with the public through on-site visits, public presentations, tours, special events, Nextdoor.com notifications, and other opportunities. In June, Deputy Bybee made a visit to the Nest Schools of Ken Caryl, where the kids got to explore his patrol car and learn some important safety tips. Highlights from the second quarter:
- Presented at 6 HOA/community meetings with topics including senior scams and fraud protection as well as run, hide, fight training.
- Attended 6 events including the Courage Walk, Take Your Child to Work Day, Foothills Fire Pancake Breakfast, Fire and Ice in Mesa Estates, and the Evergreen Parade and Rodeo.
- Managed 69 citizen inquiries.
- Conducted one Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) security survey.
School Resource Officers
School Resource Officers (SRO) are embedded within schools in Jefferson County for the duration of each school year to provide extra security, safety, resources, and guidance to students and staff. During school breaks, the SROs cover patrol duties throughout the county. In June, the SRO Unit was able to attend the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) conference in Reno, Nevada. The conference provided training presentations, current SRO best practices, legal updates, and keynote speakers about school safety. They joined SROs from all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico, and even Ukraine. This is the first time our SRO team was able to attend this conference together. Second-quarter activity, which includes part of summer break: Felony — Apr 0 · May 2 · Jun 0 Misdemeanor — 21 · 23 · 0 Incident — 40 · 21 · 0 Supplemental — 25 · 19 · 3 Total Reports — 86 · 65 · 3 School Presentations — 20 · 11 · 0 Safe2Tell — 229 · 152 · 219
Detention Facility
The Detentions Division provides housing, security, and physical and mental health services for inmates, as well as programs to reduce recidivism and set individuals up for success upon release. The jail houses offenders awaiting court appearances, being transported to another detention facility, or sentenced to serve their time at the county jail. Q2 averages and totals: Average Males Housed — Apr 723 · May 709 · Jun 708 Average Females Housed — Apr 123 · May 120 · Jun 120 Transgender intakes — 9 · 0 · 8 (people who self-identify as other than their biological sex during intake) ADA-specific intakes — 36 · 20 · 24 (we provide accommodations for all disabilities: hearing, vision, movement, etc.) Narcan incidents — 4 · 4 · 2 (inmates who were unresponsive and given at least one dose of Narcan; the medication has no negative side effects and does not cause further harm to someone with an unrelated medical emergency) Total Intake — 1,355 · 1,178 · 1,240 (Q2 total: 3,773) Total Released — 1,329 · 1,197 · 1,222
Criminal Investigations
The Criminal Investigations Division (CID) investigates all felony crimes and some select misdemeanor crimes. CID then presents these cases to the 1st Judicial District Attorney's Office for prosecution. The units within the division include Crime Scene, Victim Services, Persons Crimes, Property Crimes, Special Investigations, and Child Sex Offender Internet Investigations (CHEEZO). CID also works in conjunction with the Jefferson County Regional Crime Laboratory (JCRCL), which is housed within JCSO headquarters.
Notable Cases
Sexual predator sentenced
On April 29, 30-year-old Matthew Chavez was sentenced to six years to life in the Department of Corrections for a variety of crimes including engaging in sexual acts with underage girls and child exploitation. The JCSO Crimes Against Children Unit first arrested Chavez in April 2025, but they continued to investigate and ultimately found additional crimes with more child victims.
Jeffco investigation uncovers alleged locksmith scheme across metro area
After a 5-month-long investigation, a locksmith was arrested on June 10 for allegations of targeting older adults in several counties. 28-year-old Menashe Evro faces multiple felony charges including theft from an at-risk elder and exploitation of an at-risk elder. In January, an investigation began after an elderly Jefferson County couple was quoted $229 for a locksmith service but was ultimately charged more than $4,300 by Evro's company, Fortis Locksmith. In March, CBS4 Denver did a story on a similar case in another county and that's when Investigator Milliman began connecting the crimes. Ultimately, Milliman was able to connect eight cases throughout the metro area of elderly victims being charged thousands of dollars for basic locksmith services by the same locksmith.
Operation Frequent Flyer
On June 22, a Colorado state grand jury indicted 11 defendants on 52 felony counts for allegedly operating a vehicle theft ring that stole 41 vehicles, trailers and RVs valued at more than $900,000 across the Front Range between July 2024 and January 2025. Investigators say the group often targeted vehicles left at small airports, but also from hotels, businesses, and residential areas. They altered vehicle identification numbers (VIN) and license plates, and transported many of the stolen vehicles to Mexico for sale to criminal organizations. The investigation, led by the Metropolitan Auto Theft Task Force in partnership with the Colorado AG's Office, Denver DA's Office, and numerous law enforcement agencies, resulted in charges including racketeering, conspiracy, motor vehicle theft, theft and forgery. Their efforts helped to dismantle an organized criminal enterprise operating throughout Adams, Boulder, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld counties.
Victim Services Unit
The Victim Services Unit (VSU) provides respectful care to victims of crime and trauma. Specialized counselors and volunteer victim advocates respond to calls 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In the second quarter, the VSU was assigned 716 cases and responded to 412 calls including: 170 in-person callouts; 242 immediate phone responses; 63 deaths (suicide and unattended deaths).
CID cases by precinct
Felony cases assigned to investigators in the JCSO Criminal Investigations Division in the second quarter, by crime type and JCSO patrol precinct. Property Crimes — North 30 · South 62 · Mountain 20 (Total 112) Major Crimes — N 15 · S 17 · M 5 (37) Financial Crimes — N 20 · S 54 · M 27 (101) Crimes Against Children — N 10 · S 41 · M 9 (60) Total Cases Assigned — North 75 · South 174 · Mountain 61 (Q2 total: 310)
Sex offender statistics
In the second quarter, the Records Unit maintained over 350 sex offender records and verified 118 addresses. Per HB 21-1064, juveniles meeting certain eligibility requirements are now automatically de-registered from the database.
Traffic Operations & Focus Crimes
The primary goal of the JCSO Traffic Unit is to reduce traffic accidents involving fatalities and injury. Each month, the Traffic Unit provides the Patrol Division with strategic deployment recommendations based on monthly crash analysis.
Traffic operations
In the second quarter, the Traffic Unit held eight Click It or Ticket operations, DUI enforcement on Evergreen Parkway, and participated in joint speed enforcement operations — first with Colorado State Patrol and Wild Aware on Hwy 74, and with CSP aircraft on C470. The Unit taught basic and advanced motor schools to more than 18 metro area agencies and participated in 10 community events and motor escorts.
E-bike safety operations
Many Jeffco residents have voiced their concerns and complaints about the number of e-bikes being driven in unsafe manners, and often by kids who are not licensed or legal to operate them. As a result, the Traffic Unit partnered with the Bicycle and Drone Units to hold two e-bike operations in areas identified as popular with e-bikers — one near Alamo Avenue and S. Estes Street, and another near Ken Caryl and Simms Street. All parents and riders should know the rules. Check out our webpage for information on which e-bikes are legal, as well as a place to report unsafe riders.
Speed mitigation grant
A federal speed mitigation grant allows for additional hours of enforcement along Hwy 93 and Hwy 285. Second-quarter results: Time Dedicated (hours) — Apr 37 · May 25.5 · Jun 81.5 (Q2 total: 144 hours) Summonses — Apr 76 · May 50 · Jun 133 (Q2 total: 259)
DUI arrests
The JCSO receives federal grant funding for DUI enforcement to increase traffic safety. Efforts of regular patrol operations, along with specific DUI enforcement, resulted in 52 DUI arrests in the second quarter. Total DUI Arrests — Apr 18 · May 15 · Jun 19
Crash data
The top three common causal factors for fatal and injury crashes in the second quarter remain speed, inattentive driving, and DUI. Fatal — Apr 3 · May 0 · Jun 0 (Q2 total: 3) Injury — Apr 20 · May 41 · Jun 19 (Q2 total: 80) Property — Apr 169 · May 194 · Jun 92 (Q2 total: 455) Total — Apr 192 · May 235 · Jun 111 (Q2 total: 538)
Traffic summonses
Summonses include those issued by the Traffic Unit and Patrol for Model Traffic Code violations or state violations. 2Q 2025: 2,256 summonses 2Q 2026: 1,769 summonses (down 21.6% year over year)
Focus crimes
In Jefferson County, property crimes such as residential and commercial burglaries, motor vehicle trespasses, and motor vehicle theft are crimes we categorize as "focus crimes." Often, we find that the same person(s) commits more than one of these crimes, and when these crimes are studied, we learn patterns of behavior. Therefore, we expend considerable effort reviewing focus crimes that are of great concern and impact to the community. The Patrol and Criminal Investigations Divisions research occurrences of focus crimes to determine if there are similarities that would indicate a spree or a crime series involving the same suspect or suspects. Studying these trends helps us better anticipate and prepare for responses with the intent to apprehend suspects who may be responsible for multiple offenses. Five-year second-quarter comparison (2022 → 2026): Burglary — 108 · 101 · 99 · 79 · 62 Theft from Motor Vehicle — 270 · 166 · 110 · 55 · 46 Motor Vehicle Theft — 171 · 147 · 80 · 74 · 49
Notable Law Enforcement Activity
Major drug seizure leads to 35 charges
The West Metro Drug Task Force arrested 25-year-old Hunter Covelli following a months-long investigation into suspected drug trafficking in Wheat Ridge. On April 15, Covelli turned himself in to authorities in Wisconsin and faces 35 charges, including multiple drug felonies and illegal possession of weapons. A search of his home led to the seizure of large quantities of MDMA, psychedelic mushrooms, LSD, MDA, ketamine and cocaine, along with eight firearms, a pill press and other evidence. The West Metro Drug Task Force includes investigators from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and the Golden, Lakewood and Wheat Ridge police departments.
K9 Ultimo helps track down stolen vehicle suspect
A quick coffee stop turned into a stolen vehicle investigation after a man's car was taken from a convenience store with his belongings and two firearms still inside. Using tracking devices, phone and drone technology, assistance from Lakewood Police, and K9 Ultimo, deputies located 35-year-old Fidel Garfio hiding in a shed behind a home. After Garfio repeatedly refused to surrender, K9 Ultimo was deployed and helped bring the situation to a safe end. Garfio is being held on a $20,000 cash-only bond and faces several charges, including motor vehicle theft, theft over $20,000, and possession of a weapon by a previous offender. He was also wanted in two other counties for serious domestic violence offenses. Good work, Ultimo.
Suspect arrested after starting a brush fire along Highway 74
On June 29, deputies responded to reports of a man intentionally setting fire to brush near mile marker 17 on Highway 74. Several witnesses called 911 after seeing a man near the flames. Deputies arrived to find the fire spreading through a ravine south of the highway. They located a man matching witnesses' descriptions nearby and arrested him without incident. A deputy used a fire extinguisher to slow the flames until firefighters arrived and fully extinguished the fire. Investigators recovered a lighter and other evidence at the scene. Royce Ben Jameson, 25, of New Mexico, was arrested on suspicion of first-degree arson and remains in custody at the Jefferson County Detention Center.
Weather emergencies & response
Jefferson County experienced a little bit of everything this quarter — from record snowfall in May to record heat in June, along with wildfires and significant flooding. On June 25, severe storms brought heavy rain to the Evergreen and Kittredge areas, causing Bear Creek to rise rapidly, sending water, mud and debris across roadways. Deputies conducted welfare checks, responded to downed trees and flooded roads, and assisted residents reporting damage to their homes. Thankfully, no flooding-related injuries were reported. A big thanks to all of the first responders who helped during this incident including Jeffcom 911 and Evergreen, Indian Hills, Genesee, Foothills, and West Metro fire departments. This extreme weather is an important reminder to sign up for Lookout Alerts at LookoutAlert.co or through the Smart911 app so you can receive emergency information when it matters most.
Crime Statistics
Five-yearsecond-quarterNIBRScomparison.
Second quarter crime statistics are reported in NIBRS, the National Incident Based Reporting System. This system is a more inclusive method for collecting and standardizing crime data from law enforcement agencies, and is used by most other agencies in Colorado. The data is accurate as of the release of this report; however, numbers are subject to change.
Five-Year NIBRS Trend
Second-quarter total reports by NIBRS category, 2022–2026
Total second-quarter reports declined from 2,288 in 2Q '22 to 1,302 in 2Q '26 (-43%), driven primarily by a 59% drop in Crimes Against Property. Person, Society, and Group B categories remained relatively stable.
Chart description (accessibility)
Total second-quarter reports declined from 2,288 in 2Q '22 to 1,302 in 2Q '26 (-43%), driven primarily by a 59% drop in Crimes Against Property. Person, Society, and Group B categories remained relatively stable.
Focus Crimes — 5-Year Trend
Second-quarter property crimes most studied for spree and series patterns
Burglary fell 43% (108 to 62), Theft from Motor Vehicle fell 83% (270 to 46), and Motor Vehicle Theft fell 71% (171 to 49) between 2Q '22 and 2Q '26.
Chart description (accessibility)
Burglary fell 43% (108 to 62), Theft from Motor Vehicle fell 83% (270 to 46), and Motor Vehicle Theft fell 71% (171 to 49) between 2Q '22 and 2Q '26.
View full NIBRS table — 43 rows across all crime types
| Crime Type | Breakout | 2Q 2022 | 2Q 2023 | 2Q 2024 | 2Q 2025 | 2Q 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crimes Against Person | ||||||
| Murder | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| Negligent Manslaughter | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Kidnapping | 10 | 15 | 9 | 11 | 11 | |
| Sex Offenses | 35 | 29 | 42 | 34 | 29 | |
| Assault | Aggravated | 79 | 72 | 77 | 86 | 64 |
| Assault | Simple | 245 | 263 | 258 | 237 | 216 |
| Assault | Intimidation | 20 | 27 | 30 | 27 | 20 |
| Human Trafficking | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| TOTAL | 389 | 408 | 417 | 397 | 340 | |
| Crimes Against Property | ||||||
| Arson | 9 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 6 | |
| Extortion | 17 | 18 | 16 | 5 | 11 | |
| Burglary | 108 | 101 | 99 | 79 | 62 | |
| Robbery | 4 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 6 | |
| Theft | Coin-Operated Machine | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Theft | From Motor Vehicle | 270 | 166 | 110 | 55 | 46 |
| Theft | Vehicle Parts | 134 | 73 | 31 | 34 | 28 |
| Theft | Other Larceny | 224 | 150 | 214 | 175 | 101 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 171 | 147 | 80 | 74 | 49 | |
| Counterfeiting | 17 | 26 | 16 | 20 | 23 | |
| Fraud | False Pretenses | 25 | 46 | 47 | 66 | 43 |
| Fraud | ATM | 54 | 34 | 27 | 14 | 16 |
| Fraud | Impersonation | 16 | 9 | 5 | 10 | 8 |
| Fraud | Wire Fraud | 49 | 26 | 19 | 21 | 31 |
| Bribery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Identity Theft | 91 | 122 | 76 | 67 | 67 | |
| Vandalism | 415 | 312 | 224 | 204 | 169 | |
| TOTAL | 1,605 | 1,236 | 974 | 827 | 666 | |
| Crimes Against Society | ||||||
| Drugs | 92 | 107 | 107 | 61 | 98 | |
| Pornography | 25 | 14 | 22 | 7 | 9 | |
| Prostitution | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Animal Cruelty | 1 | 5 | 7 | 0 | 2 | |
| Weapons Violations | 11 | 9 | 9 | 18 | 15 | |
| TOTAL | 129 | 136 | 145 | 86 | 124 | |
| Group A | ||||||
| GROUP A TOTAL | 2,123 | 1,780 | 1,536 | 1,310 | 1,130 | |
| Group B Offenses | ||||||
| Bad Checks | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Disorderly Conduct | 15 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 15 | |
| DUI | 27 | 33 | 54 | 38 | 39 | |
| Family Offenses (Non-Violent) | 9 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | |
| Liquor Law Violation | 13 | 11 | 15 | 8 | 9 | |
| Trespass — Real Property | 13 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 30 | |
| All Other Offenses | 88 | 58 | 69 | 70 | 74 | |
| GROUP B TOTAL | 165 | 141 | 176 | 155 | 172 | |
| Overall | ||||||
| OVERALL TOTAL | 2,288 | 1,921 | 1,712 | 1,465 | 1,302 | |
- · Vehicle Parts includes catalytic converters, license plates, etc.
- · Group B — All Other Offenses includes things like harassment, failure to register, contempt of court, indecent exposure, etc.
Protect. Serve. Enforce.