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Arrest made in 1999 murder of Arapahoe Co. Deputy DA Rebecca Bartee
ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo. – An arrest has been made in the 1999 murder of Arapahoe County Deputy District Attorney Rebecca Bartee, bringing the 18-year-old mystery closer to being solved.
The sheriff’s office announced Wednesday detectives had arrested Robert Lee Williams, 70, on suspicion of first-degree murder charges in Bartee’s death, and say he was still living in the same Centennial apartment complex where Bartee was found dead 18 years ago.
Public records show the two lived on the same floor at the apartment complex when Bartee was killed.
Bartee became a deputy district attorney in Arapahoe County after working as the DA in Hays, Kansas. Her primary work involved tracking down and prosecuting parents who were skipping out on child support payments, but she had only been on the job for 3 weeks when she was murdered.
She had a “severely handicapped” daughter whom she dedicated herself to when she wasn’t working, according to the sheriff’s office.
She left work on Friday, June 4, 1999, but never showed back up to work the next Monday morning. Fellow prosecutors went to her home and discovered Bartee dead in her bathtub.
Voice messages left on her phone by her daughter’s caregiver had gone unreturned—something that was out of the ordinary, and the county coroner found Bartee had been dead since shortly after she arrived home on June 4.
Initially, investigators believed Bartee may have had a seizure and drowned in the bath tub, but said evidence later led them to believe she was murdered.
Investigators weren’t able to charge any suspects in the months and years that followed.
But recently, a tipster brought new evidence forward in the case, according to the sheriff’s office, and investigators were able to obtain a warrant for Williams’s arrest.
Authorities took Williams into custody Tuesday afternoon. His arrest affidavit has been sealed, so further details about the case are not currently available.
“We, along with the victim’s family, are thankful someone came forward with new information, even after 18 years,” a statement from the sheriff’s office said.
Williams is next due in court Thursday morning for his first appearance, according to court records. He is being held without bond for the time being.
Battle of the Burgers: Denver-based Smashburger sued by In-N-Out over ‘Triple Double’
DENVER – In-N-Out Burger is suing Denver-based Smashburger for copyright infringement and other trademark-related claims over its use of the term “Triple Double” to describe and advertise one of its cheeseburgers.
The California-based burger chain filed the claim Monday in U.S. Central District Court of California.
In the lawsuit, In-N-Out claims that Smashburger knowingly started using the moniker for its new burger in July despite opposition being raised by In-N-Out about trademark filings made by Smashburger late last year.
In-N-Out has long-existing national and state of California trademarks on the “Double-Double, Triple Triple, and Quad Quad” burgers, and some similar trademarks like “2 x 2” and “3 x 3”.
The chain claims that Smashburger—which was founded in 2007 and has since opened more than 300 franchises nationwide, including 36 in California—is actively harming In-N-Out’s reputation by selling the “Triple Double” burger and “diluting” In-N-Out’s trademarks.
In-N-Out has a “Not-So-Secret Menu” that customers can use to customize their burgers and which can, according to the lawsuit, result in “Triple Double” or “3 x 2” orders.
In-N-Out claims that after Smashburger filed its trademark claims for its burger late last year, In-N-Out filed a notice of opposition with the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board in June 2.
But after that, according to the suit, Smashburger then started using the “Triple Double” term.
“In-N-Out is informed and believes…that Smashburger…chose to adopt and use the Triple Double and Smashburger Triple Double marks to trade on the goodwill associated with In-N-Out’s Registered Marks,” the lawsuit says.
It goes on to say that by using the “Triple Double” moniker, Smashburger “creates a likelihood of consumer confusion because actual and prospective customers are likely to believe that In-N-Out has approved or licensed Smashburger’s use of its marks, or that In-N-Out is somehow affiliated or connected with Smasburger or its services.”
“Smasburger’s use of In-N-Out’s famous trademarks implies that the quality of the goods and services offered by Smashburger is the same as that of In-N-Out,” it says.
The lawsuit claims that Smashburger’s use of “Triple Double” causes In-N-Out’s customers “confusion, mistake or deception” and that it has suffered damages and “irreparable injuries to its reputation and goodwill.”
Among the claims In-N-Out makes, it says that Smashburger has intentionally created unfair competition contrary to California law:
“The actions of Smashburger…were taken with substantial certainty that such acts would cause harm to In-N-Out, in conscious disregard for the rights of In-N-Out and by conduct that was done with malice and ill-will and intent to harm In-N-Out, such as to constitute oppression, fraud, malice, and despicable conduct…entitling In-N-Out to exemplary damages in an amount appropriate to punish and set an example of Smashburger.”
In-N-Out asks the federal judge to permanently enjoin Smasburger from using either of its “Triple Double” terms, as well as issue preliminary and permanent injunctions barring Smashburger’s use of the terms.
Among other things, In-N-Out is also seeking compensatory damages, and treble damages—which could triple the amount of compensatory damages awarded in the case, if there are any.
A Smashburger spokeswoman sent the following statement Tuesday afternoon:
Smashburger’s new Triple Double Burger, launched in June, was developed to celebrate the chain’s 10-year anniversary.
“We wanted to create the best cheeseburger for the next generation of burger lovers. With two Smashburger patties and three layers of melted cheese, we named it the Smashburger Triple Double, which has really resonated with consumers,” said Smashburger Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Tom Ryan.
“Frankly, we are flattered by the attention In-N-Out has given our Smashburger Triple Double. To date, Smashburger’s Triple Double is posting double-digit traffic and sales increases for the 10-year-old Smashburger brand. The Triple Double burger is clearly popular with our customers and is not comparable to any In-N-Out menu offering,” added Ryan.
“We invite all burger lovers to taste the Smashburger Triple Double and decide for themselves.”
Former Mexico President Vicente Fox praises Denver’s new immigration ordinance
DENVER – Former Mexico President Vicente Fox kicked off his first day in Denver Tuesday by praising the city’s decision made Monday to bolster protections for immigrants in the city.
Fox is in town for talks regarding the economy between Colorado and Mexico.
In a news conference that also included Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, Fox praised the measure passed Monday by the city council, which Hancock defended in the face of opposition from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials.
“The reality is if people feel safer calling the police, if they feel safer reporting crimes—whether they’re victims or witnesses—we’re all better off,” Hancock said.
Fox echoed those sentiments.
“My first surprise is that great news [of the new city measure]—that this city is taking some steps to make sure that rule of law in this city is applied fairly, without discrimination,” Fox said.
Councilwoman Robin Kniech, who was one of the councilors pushing the immigration measure, told Denver7 Tuesday she’s not afraid the city will lose federal funding, as the Trump administration has threatened, saying she believes federal law is on the city’s side.
Mayor Hancock is expected to sign the new ordinance into law later this week.
Fox was expected to join Gov. John Hickenlooper, Hancock, and Aurora’s mayor at a private dinner Tuesday evening at the Governor’s Mansion.
Fox will be in town for Wednesday afternoon’s trade forum, which is open to the public, though tickets are required. More information can be found here.
Ex-Grand Mesa youth corrections officer charged with sexually assaulting 2 inmates
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – A former youth corrections officer at the Grand Mesa Youth Services Center was arrested Sunday on multiple child sex charges relating to his alleged rape of two teen inmates.
Brian Tate, 30, faces two counts of sexual assault on a child by a person in a position of trust (class 3 felony), one count of sexual assault, three counts of sexual assault on a child by a person in a position of trust (class 4 felony), three counts of sexual assault on a child – pattern of abuse, one count of criminal attempt of unlawful sexual contact, and six counts of first-degree official misconduct.
The first 10 counts listed are felonies, while the official misconduct charges are class 2 misdemeanors.
Tate allegedly sexually assaulted at least two girls at the youth facility this year. The alleged incidents were reported to the director of the Grand Mesa Division of Youth Services in late July.
When the allegations were first reported, Tate was immediately put on administrative leave. He was fired shortly afterward, according to authorities.
In separate incidents that allegedly happened this year, Tate is accused of touching the two girls inappropriately under their clothing, and raping one of the girls.
According to Tate’s arrest affidavit, the two victims had told a fellow inmate about the incidents, who then reported them to authorities.
Both alleged incidents took place over a period of time. According to the affidavit, Tate would start by asking girls who were having “bad days” for hugs, and would eventually move on to grabbing their backsides while hugging them.
According to the affidavit, Tate took opportunities to get the two victims alone on separate occasions and in locations at the corrections center that cameras couldn’t capture.
In one of the incidents, Tate took one of the victims out to an area where the center housed dogs for a support program, grabbed the victim, kissed her several times, and put his hand down the front of her pants.
In another incident, a different victim—who was asked by Tate to help hand out snacks to the other inmates—was brought into a stairwell that couldn’t be seen by cameras and was raped by Tate after extensive groping, according to the affidavit.
Police also interviewed other inmates, who had alleged that he had asked them to undress in front of him at times, and who said they had heard about the alleged incidents between Tate and the two girls.
When he was interviewed by police, Tate denied any wrongdoing. But the inmates told officers that he had threatened them if they told on him, and at one point said he’d kill himself if anyone found out.
Tate was in the U.S. Marine Corps for 8 years before he started working as a contract worker at the corrections center’s dog rehab program. He eventually became a full-time corrections officer last December.
When he was interviewed by police in early August, Tate said he had an infant child, but that he and his wife were separated.
In the same interview, he blamed the “bipolar and angry” inmates, who he said didn’t like him because he “consistently holds them accountable,” for fabricating the alleged sexual assaults.
But after interviews with several more corrections officers, and after reviewing more jail surveillance video, the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office was able to file to obtain a warrant for Tate’s arrest on Aug. 22.
Tate turned himself in on Sunday, and saw his bond set at $100,000 Monday at his first court appearance.
The Colorado Division of Youth Services says it is cooperating with the investigation and is offering the victims and anyone else involved counseling.
“The Division has a zero-tolerance standard for any incidence of sexual misconduct,” said director Anders Jacobson.
The sheriff’s office says the case remains under investigation, and asks anyone else who may be a potential victim or know of further instances of abuse to contact its witness tip line at 970-244-3526.
Man who claimed neo-Nazi haircut led to stabbing in Colorado actually stabbed himself, police say
SHERIDAN, Colo. – A man who claimed he’d been stabbed outside a Sheridan restaurant on Aug. 16 because his haircut made him look like a neo-Nazi actually stabbed himself, police say.
Joshua Lee Witt, 26, was booked late last week on a false reporting to authorities criminal summons, which could land him a fine of $2,650 and up to a year in jail if he’s convicted. Continue reading
Prairie Middle School teacher Brian Vasquez now faces 31 felony child sex charges
ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo. – The Prairie Middle School teacher arrested last week on child sex crime charges now faces 31 felony counts related to the case, and the investigation is ongoing.
Brian C. Vasquez, 34, was originally charged with eight felony counts relating to his alleged physical abuse of and exchanging nude photos with several students. Last week, prosecutors said they’d so far discovered five victims of his, but that there may be more.
Vasquez appeared in court Monday morning to see his formal charges returned. They now contain 11 counts of sex assault on a child by a person in a position of trust; 10 counts of sex exploitation of a child – inducement or enticement; eight counts of sexual contact – coercion of a child; and two counts of internet luring of a child with intent to exploit.
All are either class 3 or class 4 felonies in Colorado.
The Arapahoe County District Attorney’s Office says the additional charges aren’t because prosecutors have found more victims, but because they’d found more ways to charge Vasquez.
Vasquez was arrested Tuesday after investigators came to his school, which is part of the Cherry Creek School District.
The judge in his case stipulated that Vasquez wouldn’t be able to contact his two young sons expect by telephone, and won’t be able to use the internet following his arrest.
Vasquez was put on administrative leave after his arrest. He’s worked at the school for seven years as a social studies teacher and a coach in the “Destination Imagination” program.
He also previously worked in the Widefield and Harrison school districts in the Colorado Springs area, and spent two years as a youth worker at the San Luis Valley Youth Detention Center.
Vasquez remains held on a $200,000 bond. His preliminary hearing is set for 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 31.
CDOT selects Kiewit Meridiam Partners to oversee $1.2B Central 70 highway construction project
DENVER – Kiewit Meridiam Partners has been selected to lead the development and reconstruction of much of I-70 in the Denver area that will be the largest infrastructure development in Colorado Department of Transportation history.
CDOT says that KMP was selected because its proposal came in on-budget and could cut 6 months off of construction, which is expected to take around 4 years to complete under the KMP proposed schedule. The project is expected to cost around $1.2 billion. Continue reading
Cherry Creek Schools didn’t tell parents of security guard arrest
DENVER – Cherry Creek School District officials didn’t notify parents of students at Grandview High School that a security guard working at the school was arrested and charged with sex crimes in May, but they didn’t technically have to because Colorado has no statewide policy for doing so, nor does the district have a written policy of its own.
Denver7 Investigates learned in recent weeks that the school’s security guard, 29-year-old Broderick Jerrod Lundie, had been arrested on May 4 on child sex assault charges. Continue reading
Colorado-based Cherry Creek Mortgage sued by same-sex couple over alleged health benefit denials
DENVER – Colorado-based Cherry Creek Mortgage faces a federal discrimination lawsuit filed by a California couple who say they were denied health benefits by the company because of their same-sex marriage—one of them who was just a year out from suffering two heart attacks.
Judith Dominguez, 59, and her wife, 55-year-old Patricia Martinez, filed the suit against Cherry Creek Mortgage Company and two health insurance companies it used—UnitedHealth Group and UnitedHealthcare Services—last week in U.S. District Court of Central California. Continue reading
Prosecutors: Prairie Middle School teacher had 5 victims; 1 suffering from mental distress
DENVER – The Prairie Middle School teacher arrested Tuesday on eight counts of child sex assault and exploitation had at least five victims and had been allegedly abusing his victims over a period of four years, Arapahoe County prosecutors said at his first court appearance Wednesday.
Brian C. Vasquez, 34, won’t be able to contact his two sons except by telephone and won’t be able to use the internet after his arrest, a judge ordered. He also saw his bond set at $200,000 during the Wednesday morning court appearance in Arapahoe County. Continue reading