A convicted child sex offender is back behind bars after a desperate attempt to flee the country. A Douglas County Detective and the U.S. Marshals Colorado Violent Offender Task Force tracked down Jorge Campos-Gonzalez just miles from the U.S.-Mexico border. He had cut off his ankle monitor, failed to show up to his court hearing last Friday, and fled.
Statement from Sheriff Darren Weekly:
“We are very fortunate that nobody was hurt as he was attempting to flee the country, and we’re grateful to have him back in custody. From my perspective, he should never have been out of custody. It’s almost unconscionable that somebody could commit crimes like this and be put on an ankle monitor that can be cut off and flee. My understanding is he still had his passport with him. The system in Colorado is broken and while the legislature is down arguing about bills to further protect people that shouldn’t be protected. They need to rethink their priorities instead of thinking about the suspects. Start thinking about victims of crimes and do better. Colorado can do better…starting with this session. There’s still time.”
Statement from District Attorney George Brauchler:
“Every aspect of the system came together to try to get justice. If it wasn’t for Castle Rock and the fantastic case they put together, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and their efforts, especially putting someone in with the US Marshals Office who worked throughout the night to track this guy down, to generate warrants, to do all the special magical things they do at the US Marshal’s Office to try to find people, I don’t think we’re in a position to get him when we get that great tip. This arrest highlights the power of teamwork, dedication, and community partnership in keeping our communities safe.”
Special thanks to the U.S. Marshals Service, the 23rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Castle Rock Police Department, Otero County Sheriff’s Office, the New Mexico State Police, and the courageous citizen who called in a tip about his location after seeing his picture on the news. Great teamwork to ensure this individual is no longer a risk to the public.
Link to watch the press conference: Multi-State Joint Effort Leads to Capture of Fugitive Near Mexican Border