Colorado Politics

Denver grand jury indicts 12 known as ‘The Family’ on organized crime charges

The Denver District Attorney’s Office announced Monday that a grand jury indicted 12 people who are part of an organized crime group known as “The Family.”

The dozen are facing a combined 92 charges for committing crimes allegedly to support methamphetamine addiction. Some offenses were violent and committed at gunpoint, according to a news release. 

The group has been accused of operating as members of an enterprise, the release states.

They have been accused of identity theft affecting more than 240 victims and stealing more than $550,000 worth of vehicles. 

The defendants have also been accused of stealing items to sell, including weapons, bicycles, jewelry and money. 

The people accused include Sarah Marie Lore, 38, Estevan Barrientos, 23, Sherry Beth Swain, 36, Martynas Calka, 22, Brian Hernandez, 30, Dakota Maurice Hoffman, 27, Misha Nicholas Lamanna, 41, Derrick Leo Mowery, 33, Clifford James Puppe, 36, Kimberly Jean Redd, 30, Matthew David Sanchez, 34, and Christopher Lee Wallman, 39.

Lore, who according to the release is known as “Street Mom,” is accused of making deals in person and through Facebook for buying and selling items.

According to a redacted indictment, Lore controlled the group of the defendants’ operations through violent attacks on its members.

Among the charges are violations of Colorado’s Organized Crime Control Act, identity theft, second-degree kidnapping, robbery, first-degree aggravated motor vehicle theft and criminal extortion.

According to the release, other government agencies such as the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, the Colorado State Patrol and several local police departments also collaborated in the investigation.

From top left: Derrick Mowery, Estevan Barrientos, Sherry Swain, Martynas Calka, Brian Hernandez, Dakota Hoffman, Sarah Lore, Misha Lamanna, Kimberly Redd, Clifford Puppe, Matthew Sanchez and Christopher Wallman.
Denver Police Department
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