Stranger danger is everywhere in Denver. Since the disappearance of Jessica Ridgeway, residents of Denver, Arapahoe, and Jefferson County have put themselves on high alert for any stranger that may approach their children. Parents are fearful any stranger could commit Sexual Assault on a Child (CRS 18-3-405), Enticement of a Child (CRS 18-3-305), or Sexual Exploitation of a Child (CRS 18-6-403) against someone in their family.

It is not safe to approach children for any reason in Adams, Douglas, Larimer, or Weld County. A man living near the Westminster area where the kidnapping took place approached a child to deliver a message to his ex-girlfriend. The boy's mother was watching from a nearby house and called the police when she saw the man move toward the child. He later turned himself in after a picture of his car was sent to news stations in a warning of an attempted kidnapping. Even though he did not exercise the best judgment with his actions, police determined they were not criminal in nature.

Some children may see the paranoia in adults as an opportunity. They may believe that accusing an adult of kidnapping or some sexual crime would get someone in trouble with whom they are angry. They may also use the accusation as a scapegoat to get themselves out of trouble if they have run off without their parents' permission. Some children may understand the gravity of making false allegations, but many would not. But children do know they will get a reaction from adults if they claim to have been kidnapped. The person they accuse will be immediately arrested based on no evidence other than the child's word, and be charged with a felony.

If police contact you in relation to Sexual Assault on a Child (CRS 18-3-405) charges, 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.