The El Paso County Sheriff's Office (EPSO) has successfully concluded a rigorous four-month investigation which, has brought about the conviction of Gary Cantrell, 22, and Adam Montoya, 24, for a string of burglaries and other related crimes in the Cimarron Hills and Security-Widefield areas. The investigation commenced in November 2023 and focused on incidents where suspects used garage door openers from vehicles to break into homes, resulting in the theft of personal valuables and high-value items such as electronics, skiing equipment, and firearms, as reported by the EPSO.
Cantrell and Montoya, whose activities had become a significant concern for residents in the affected areas, were charged with a slew of offenses including but not limited to burglary, motor vehicle theft, criminal trespass-auto, and identity theft-related crimes. In the culmination of this investigation, extensive interviews were conducted, along with the execution of more than a dozen search warrants which in turn, led to the recovery of stolen property that was later returned to the rightful owners, as detailed by El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.
"I am proud of the investigative efforts and skills shown by my detectives throughout this case. My Office is committed to finding and holding these prolific criminals accountable, ensuring victims get the justice they deserve. The length of these sentences is a testament to the quality of work and professionalism displayed by the detectives in my Office," said Sheriff Joseph Roybal, as obtained by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.
The results of the EPSO's tenacity led to both individuals facing justice for their actions. Cantrell pled guilty to Burglary of a Dwelling and was sentenced to 10 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections on August 27, 2024. A few months later, Montoya followed suit, pleading guilty to the same charge but received a slightly longer sentence of 12 years, as of January 21. The difference in their sentences was not immediately clarified in the EPSO release, nevertheless, the resolution signifies closure for the affected communities.
