Author: Mackenzie Bodell
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Department of Homeland Security confirms Boulder attack suspect filed for asylum
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The man accused of throwing a Molotov cocktail at a group participating in a peaceful demonstration on the Pearl Street Mall in Denver Sunday, injuring several, filed an asylum claim in September 2022 after coming into the United States on a visitor visa the month before, federal officials said. Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, was booked…
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Fort Carson soldier accused of cocaine distribution enters plea
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DENVER • The Fort Carson soldier arrested for alleged cocaine distribution just days after a large-scale federal raid of a Colorado Springs illegal nightclub in late April has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges. Staff Sgt. Juan Gabriel Orona-Rodriguez, 27, appeared out of custody Thursday after a federal judge ruled he was eligible for release at…
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Bernard blames Colorado Springs mayor, other politicians in hate-crime ‘hoax’ trial
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DENVER • One of the co-defendants on trial for his alleged involvement in the hate-crime “hoax” that made headlines during the 2023 Colorado Springs mayoral runoff election testified Thursday that local politicians played a part in planning the incident. Derrick Bernard Jr., 35, against the advice of his attorney Tyrone Glover, took the stand and…
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Woman testifies against her alleged co-conspirators on day 3 of cross-burning hate crime ‘hoax’ trial
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DENVER • A woman who pleaded guilty in a hate crime “hoax” that made headlines during the 2023 Colorado Springs mayoral runoff election testified Wednesday that she was “only following instructions” from her alleged co-conspirators. Co-defendants Derrick Bernard Jr., 35, and Ashley Blackcloud, 40, listened to Deanna West, 38, tell her side of the story…
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Colorado Springs mayor testifies, gets emotional on day 1 of cross burning hate crime ‘hoax’ trial
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DENVER • Right after the defense alleged the hate crime “hoax” that made headlines during the 2023 Colorado Springs mayoral runoff election was an act of “political theater,” Yemi Mobolade, now the city’s mayor, got emotional during his testimony Monday. With only an hour left in the day’s proceedings, the prosecution called Mobolade to the…
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Where are they? 86 unaccounted for as questions remain weeks after DEA raid of illegal nightclub
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The whereabouts of 86 apparently detained people remain unknown three weeks after the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration raided an illegal nightclub in Colorado Springs. After the early-morning raid at 296 S. Academy Blvd., at the northwest corner of Academy Boulevard and Airport Road, the DEA estimated there were about 200 people inside the nightclub. Fort…
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Fort Carson soldier accused of cocaine distribution set to be released — with conditions
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DENVER — A federal judge ruled Thursday that the Fort Carson staff sergeant who was at a Colorado Springs illegal nightclub during a large-scale federal raid last month and arrested days later on suspicion of cocaine distribution is eligible for release — but not for at least one more day. Juan Gabriel Orona-Rodriguez, 27, is facing…
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FBI agent testifies at hearing for Fort Carson soldier at center of nightclub raid
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DENVER — The Fort Carson staff sergeant who was at a Colorado Springs illegal nightclub during a large-scale federal raid April 27 and arrested days later on suspicion of cocaine distribution will proceed to trial, a judge ruled Tuesday. Juan Gabriel Orona-Rodriguez, 27, is facing one federal count each of distribution and possession with intent…
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Hickenlooper fields questions on Space Command, immigration, more at Colorado Springs town hall
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As congressional town halls have taken place in an atmosphere of nationwide political tensions, U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper fielded questions Thursday night from a mildly heated audience in Colorado Springs about the future of Space Command and immigration. A town hall held in Golden on March 19 by Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet and Democratic U.S.…
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‘I want my Colorado back’: Teller County sheriff to run for Colorado governor
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Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell is joining the 2026 Colorado gubernatorial race with plans to tackle several issues. His focuses will be on the budget shortfall, housing affordability issues, immigration policies and crime trends if elected all while emphasizing the need for local control and effective leadership. Mikesell is one of 10 Republican candidates in…