20, 2021, traffic stop near Rabbit Valley, in which Colorado State Patrol troopers said they found a large amount of cash concealed in a car. That trooper, Jeff Vrbas, was the author of the report that was later doctored to remove the reference to Homeland Security.Īsked by investigators if he had been instructed to omit references to Homeland Security operations in reports, Bollen said he had not and would mention them “when they became involved.”īut, when pressed on why he did not mention the specific involvement in that case, Bollen told investigators “I just didn’t think it mattered either way.” In fact, prior to Bollen following the suspected vehicle, another trooper had been following the car, but “could not find any probable cause to stop the vehicle,” according to the CBI investigation summary. The omission of the Homeland Security agents raised concerns that the Homeland Security involvement could be seen as manufactured probable cause used to initiate a traffic stop.
#Grand junction daily sentinel blotter driver#
Bollen about not mentioning the fact that the silver vehicle was driven by an HSI Agent to me, or in his report, he stated ‘I don’t think it matters who the driver is or whether or not there is a violation.’” He did admit the silver vehicle that was ‘followed too closely’ was a silver Dodge Charger, driven by a HSI agent,” Colorado Bureau of Investigation Agent James Bennett wrote in his report. Bollen he neglected to tell me the part about two (2) HSI Agents also following the vehicle, but he stated he did not think that occurred. That CBI summary found that Laing altered a report, authored by a trooper other than Bollen, to hide the fact that an undercover Homeland Security car had been in front of the suspected vehicle before Bollen pulled the car over for allegedly following too closely.Īccording to a summary of the CBI interview, Bollen also neglected to tell CBI investigators that the stop was initiated with the help of Homeland Security. That information, along with details of court testimony that Bollen gave, was included in a copy of the report provided to The Daily Sentinel. The interview was voluntary, and Bollen did have an attorney listen in on the conversation. He is no longer with Colorado State Patrol.Ĭolorado Bureau of Investigation records show Bollen, also a member of the smuggling, trafficking and interdiction unit, was asked to speak with investigators on the matter, to which Bollen responded: “Do I have a choice?” The investigation found Laing, who oversaw State Patrol’s smuggling, trafficking and interdiction unit in Fruita, had substantially altered at least 13 reports. Aaron Laing, who removed a reference to an undercover Homeland Security car that was part of the case. He was involved in the traffic stop that would eventually lead to an investigation into former State Patrol Sgt.
#Grand junction daily sentinel blotter professional#
It is our privilege to serve, protect our residents' rights, and provide the highest level of professional service possible.Bollen has had two of his cases tossed by the Colorado Supreme Court and was also the officer involved in a marijuana stop that overestimated the weight of the contraband by more than 1,000 pounds. The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office routinely collaborates with and supports other law enforcement organizations, community groups, schools, and businesses to identify and provide public safety solutions for our residents and visitors. These services are provided by over 250 dedicated employees and more than 350 committed volunteers. Not only do we respond to 911 calls and conduct criminal investigations, our other duties include operating the Mesa County Detention Facility, providing security at the Mesa County Justice Center, search and rescue operations, emergency management, and wildland firefighting. The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for public safety in the 3,300 square miles of Mesa County. I hope you find the information contained here helpful and informative. I encourage you to navigate our website and learn about the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office and the men and women working hard each day to keep this community safe. Whether you live here or are visiting and taking advantage of the abundant outdoor activities we enjoy daily, my staff and I welcome you. Mesa County is a beautiful place to live, visit, recreate, and raise a family.
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