Steamboat human trafficking case transferred to district court
The case against a man accused of human trafficking was transferred from Routt County Court to the 14th Judicial District Court after a preliminary hearing Monday, according to the Routt County Combined Courts clerk’s office.
The arrest affidavit states that Richard allegedly “forced” the reporting party to “have sex with his drug dealer so that he could get cocaine.”
According to the affidavit, Richard had two active arrest warrants in Grand Junction. One warrant was for failing to appear in court, domestic violence and criminal mischief, and the other was for failing to appear and a DUI.
Richard also has an “extensive criminal history to include domestic violence, assault and drugs,” states the affidavit.
The case was transferred to district court following a preliminary hearing Monday. District Court Billy-George Hertzke will preside over the case moving forward.
As of Thursday, Richard remained in the Routt County Jail under a $25,000 bond, according to the clerk’s office.
Anyone involved in human trafficking is encouraged to reach out to the confidential Advocates of Routt County 24/7 Safe Line at 970-879-8888 or SafeLine@AdvocatesRC.org.
To reach the National Human Trafficking Hotline, call 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733.
Editor’s note: Every person accused of a crime is presumed to be innocent unless and until their guilt is established beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Support Local Journalism
Support Local Journalism
Readers around Steamboat and Routt County make the Steamboat Pilot & Today’s work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.
Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.
Each donation will be used exclusively for the development and creation of increased news coverage.