Denver DA Charges “The Sopranos” with Organized Crime

DENVER—A Denver Grand Jury indicted 11 people on 91 counts for allegedly committing a series of crimes to support their fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine addictions. The Denver DA today announced that between February 19, 2021 and September 29, 2021, Timothy James Boles (age 27), Daniel Holman (age 42), Richardlee Martin Oritz (age 28), Lanea Dawn Rodriquez (age 23), Guillermo Jesus Hernandez (age 21), Danea Lynn Holman (age 39), Daysha Ann Holman (age 22), Elisha Monique Marquez (age 30), Rachel Christine Montour (age 22), Sierra Sandoval (age 22) and Ariel Sosa (age 21) are accused of operating as an enterprise and self-identifying as “the Sopranos”. They are accused of stealing more than $950,000 in motor vehicles, firearms, tools, financial transaction devices and other items to maintain their lifestyles and support their drug habits.

The enterprise is accused of targeting Kias and Hyundais. Prosecutors allege that the defendants operated in teams of two and conducted reconnaissance to identify potential target vehicles. One team member would break the driver’s side door lock, then break the ignition lock and start the vehicle using a screwdriver. The other team member acted as look-out and get away driver. They then allegedly attached stolen license plates to conceal the stolen vehicles. Members also targeted “puffers,” any vehicle that was left running and unattended. Members are accused of using credit cards found in stolen vehicles to quickly make purchases of gift cards, tools, and other property.

The members are accused of sharing information and techniques amongst themselves to perfect the best methods of quickly stealing a vehicle and also boasting to each other on Facebook about their individual prowess at automotive thievery. They also used Facebook to coordinate crimes, to elude capture, and to arrange for bond for each other. On some occasions they are accused of livestreaming their crimes while in progress over Facebook as other enterprise members offered real-time encouragement. Facebook and other social media platforms were used to arrange for the sale of the alleged stolen goods. Prosecutors believe the defendants used the profits to purchase fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine.

This indictment was made possible thanks to the dedication and determination of Denver Police Department Sergeant Hyatt, Detective Ladwig, Detective Felsoci, Officer McDermott and Officer Carroll, Arvada Police Department, Lakewood Police Department, and the Colorado Metro Auto Theft Task Force (CMATT). The 11 defendants are variously charged with violating Colorado’s Organized Crime Control Act (F2), Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft in the First Degree (F4), 37 counts of Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft, 20 counts of Identity Theft (F4), Possession of a Weapon by a Previous Offender (F6), Possession with Intent to Manufacture or Distribute a Controlled Substance (DF2), in addition to other charges.

The cases were filed in Denver District Court on September 29, 2021. The case numbers for each of the defendants are:

Timothy James Boles -21CR15111
Daniel Holman – 21CR15112
Richardlee Martin Oritz – 21CR15113
Lanea Dawn Rodriquez – 21CR15114
Guillermo Jesus Hernandez – 21CR15115
Danea Lynn Holman – 21CR15116
Daysha Ann Holman – 21CR15117
Elisha Monique Marquez – 21CR15118
Rachel Christine Montour – 21CR15119
Sierra Sandoval – 21CR15120
Ariel Sosa – 21CR15121.

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The filing of a criminal charge is merely a formal accusation that an individual(s) committed a crime(s) under Colorado laws.  A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.  See Colo. RPC 3.6