The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents that 34-year-old court-designated sexually violent predator Ray Andrew Walters is currently staying transiently near Wadsworth Boulevard and Coal Mine Avenue in unincorporated Jefferson County. In a public notice, the sheriff’s office says Walters was convicted in 2016 of attempted sexual assault on a child in a position of trust and a related delinquency charge, and it includes a photo along with a detailed physical description. Authorities are asking anyone with information to report tips to law enforcement, and they have shared contact numbers both for survivors and for non-emergency questions.
What the sheriff posted
According to the bulletin, Walters’ information includes his age, height, and weight, eye and hair color, the fact that he wears glasses, and notes of extensive tattoos on his arms, chest, face, and legs. The notice identifies two 2016 convictions: contributing to the delinquency of a minor and attempted sexual assault on a child in a position of trust. It lists his current status as transient in the area of Wadsworth Boulevard and Coal Mine Avenue. The post also shares phone numbers for the Rape Assistance Program (303-322-7273) and the sheriff’s non-emergency line (303-980-7300), and directs the public to call 911 for urgent tips or emergencies, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
State registry numbers and why they matter
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation’s sex-offender pages list roughly 19,400 to 19,500 registered sex offenders statewide and show just under 600 people designated as sexually violent predators on the public registry. The state site notes that a significant share of those labeled as sexually violent predators are currently incarcerated, which affects how and where some names appear on community rosters. The CBI runs the searchable registry and explains the categories that trigger public notification, per the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
Legal context
Under Colorado law, a sexually violent predator designation brings lifetime registration requirements, ongoing verification, and allows local law enforcement agencies to notify neighborhoods under C.R.S. 16-13-901. At the same time, the sheriff’s bulletin emphasizes that “the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has no legal authority to prohibit sex offenders from living in our community,” and urges residents to concentrate on reporting real risks rather than taking matters into their own hands. That tension between giving people a heads-up and limiting local control is outlined in state guidance and mirrored in local agency advisories.
Background and recent history
Walters has appeared on law-enforcement radar in nearby communities before. Local coverage shows that Boulder and Golden-area agencies issued prior community alerts about him, and court records reflect multiple Jefferson County cases spanning several years. Reporting from CBS Colorado reviewed those earlier notices and related court information, noting that alerts like this one often come in the middle of long registration histories rather than at the beginning. The earlier bulletins echo the sheriff’s current effort: basic identification details, a description of his legal status, and clear instructions on how neighbors should report concerns.
What neighbors should do
Officials are telling residents not to approach or harass Walters and to call 911 if there is an immediate threat. The sheriff’s non-emergency line is available for tips, general questions, or to verify information. Survivors and others seeking help or referrals can reach the Rape Assistance Program at 303-322-7273 for local resources and support. The notice also reminds residents that official registry searches, safety guidance and ongoing updates should come from law-enforcement channels rather than the neighborhood rumor mill.
Anyone with information about Walters or other registered offenders is urged to contact 911 or the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number and to avoid spreading unverified claims on social media that could interfere with active investigations.
