The effort to address issues arising from homeless encampments in Colorado Springs escalated this past week as the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with Keep Colorado Springs Beautiful, conducted cleanup operations on private property known to host illegal encampments. The targeted site extended from 2025 B Street to 2145 B Street in unincorporated El Paso County, an area recently marred by the environmental repercussions of these settlements.
According to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, ample time was given for individuals to vacate the premises, with clear notices posted and resources for the homeless prominently provided before the cleanup. Yet, amidst their efforts to aid and clear, authorities stumbled upon a case of identity fraud. During the cleanup, a revelation emerged as deputies discovered that an adult female at the camp had allegedly been masquerading under a falsified identity.
The woman in question, 49-year-old Stephanie Bleam, reportedly provided false identification to law enforcement and had appeared in court using a family member’s identity. This led to the issuance of an arrest warrant for Bleam on three counts of Identity Theft and additional felony charges. "Public safety and dignity can move in step," El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal reiterated, as per the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. "We will not tolerate criminal activity that undermines the safety of our neighborhoods or violates the rights of property owners."
Subsequent to the posting of notices, Bleam was located at the encampment and arrested by deputies on September 10, reports relay. Facing three warrants, she has been detained at the El Paso County Jail, with a bond totaling $6,700. Sheriff Roybal affirmed the seriousness with which his office regards the blend of compassion and legality, expressing gratitude towards not only Keep Colorado Springs Beautiful but also to the various units that contributed to the operation's professional and measured response.' The Sheriff's Posse notably assisted in securing the site, post-clearance.
