Glenn Thompson Braden IV, a 20-year-old resident of Evergreen, has been sentenced to prison on charges that stem from incidents where he exposed himself to women on Jefferson County trails. According to Denver7, Braden pleaded guilty to attempted sexual assault, unlawful sexual contact, and indecent exposure, while other charges against him were dismissed. The guilty plea followed an initial plea of not guilty before Braden accepted the plea deal.
Last year, the unsettling series of events unfolded where Braden confronted and committed lewd acts in front of women, which included grabbing at his victims, across several outdoor locations beloved by the local community for their natural beauty and serenity. As KDVR reports, these actions occurred at Flying J Ranch Park, Alderfer/Three Sisters Park, and Genesee Mountain Park's Beaver Brook Trailhead. Flowing with a pattern of behavior established across a disturbing timeline, Braden had previously been involved in similar incidents in South Carolina before relocating to Colorado.
Deputy District Attorney Allie Galvan commented on the case, emphasizing the danger Braden posed to the community. "People come to Colorado for the mountains," she said, as obtained by KDVR, highlighting the impact of the crimes on women who sought the tranquility and mental health benefits of hiking alone. Pre-sentence evaluations of Braden pointed to a high risk of re-offending, which was a crucial factor in the eventual sentencing decision.
Addressing the court and victims during his sentencing, Braden took ownership of his actions, verbally embracing the culpability that the mountains and trails where he once stalked could never absolve. "I take complete responsibility for every single action that occurred during this time," Braden said, according to the 1st Judicial District Attorney's Office and reported by 9NEWS. His statements and expressions of contrition and eagerness to undergo treatment were set against a backdrop of prior chances at diversion and treatment, opportunities he was afforded but seemingly squandered.
