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DA waits to file charges

Judge also continues cases against students accused of break-in

Christine Metz

Routt County Judge James Garrecht allowed the District Attorney’s Office more time to file charges against a man arrested on suspicion of sexual assault on a child.

In court Wednesday, Deputy District Attorney Erick Knaus said he wanted to be extra careful in pressing charges in the case. Knaus said he is working with an expert in Grand Junction in reviewing the evidence. He said he expects to make a decision about charging the 38-year-old Steamboat Springs man within a week.

The man’s attorney, James Horner, did not object to the continuance request.



“We would prefer that the state consider very carefully if these charges should be filed,” Horner said.

The man was arrested Nov. 17 after Steamboat Springs Middle School officials reported information on the alleged assault to authorities. The assault allegedly occurred more than two years ago. It did not occur at the middle school and was not associated with the school except that it first was reported there during a school counseling activity.



The case was continued Wednesday.

Also in court Wednesday was a group of Colorado Mountain College students charged with breaking into a duplex to steal alcohol.

The five men — Collin Michael Ciohon, 20; Trent Allan Owens, 21; Alexander Vantrell Longo, 20; Michael Edward Ford, 19; and Max Abraham Ostrov, 18; — have been charged with second-degree burglary, theft, criminal mischief and conspiracy to commit second-degree burglary.

Garrecht agreed to continue the case until all of the defendants, their five lawyers and the two out-of-state victims could meet with Assistant District Attorney Kerry St. James. The case was continued to Jan. 19. Garrecht also said the five men could return home for the holidays.

The men were arrested Oct. 16 at 2925 AprÃs Ski Way, after a neighbor allegedly saw them entering the next-door unit through the back door. The woman called the out-of-town property owners, who said the men should not be in the house. The witness saw the men carrying items out of the house and contacted police.

The police suspect the men unlawfully entered their neighboring duplex and took two six packs of Bacardi O and Smirnoff Ice and a couple of beers.


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