Lakewood, Colorado police are set to review and possibly reopen at least 200 child abuse or Sexual Assault on a Child cases. The detective in charge of the crimes against children department in Lakewood from 2006 to 2010 relocated and then resigned from the police force completely. The succeeding detective noticed that Sexual Assault files were missing evidence and there was unfinished work on closed cases. Even though Lakewood is located in Jefferson County, citizens in counties like Denver, Arapahoe, Adams, Douglas, Larimer, and Weld might be affected by this.

The spokesman for the Lakewood police is saying that none of the cases mishandled was very high profile or involved any homicides. Most likely, they will be reopening cases involving charges of Sexual Exploitation of a Child (CRS 18-6-403), Enticement of a Child (CRS 18-3-305), or Internet Luring of a Child (CRS 18-3-306), all of which have very severe consequences.

The Lakewood police believe that any case the former detective was involved in could be tainted. Thirteen are being re-investigated right now by the District Attorney's office, with many more to follow. There is no way to know what they could possibly discover, or who they might try to incriminate, by reopening these cases, which can be six years old. Evidence may have been permanently lost. With police trying to fill gaps in old cases years after the alleged crime, accusations could be based more on desperation than fact.

Residents of Denver, Aurora, Englewood, Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Westminster, and Castle Rock need to be aware of the inconsistencies the Lakewood police are now finding in old reports. People that have moved on to different parts of Colorado may be now dragged back into old investigations that should have been closed years ago. Defense witness memories could be difficult to refresh

If you feel you may face any charges involving Sexual Assault on a Child because the Lakewood police mishandled information, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the O'Malley Law Office at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.