CHARGES FILED IN SEXUAL ASSAULT CASE
March 2, 2001

Contact: Lynn Kimbrough, 720-913-9025

Denver District Attorney Bill Ritter, Jr. filed formal charges against two men today in connection with the assault and sexual assault of a woman last weekend. The victim accepted a ride home from a man at a north Denver bar but was taken to a nearby apartment where she was assaulted.

Joaquin Montoya (DOB: 5-18-76) and Dax Valdez (DOB: 4-16-75) are each charged with six separate counts of sexual assault and conspiracy to commit sexual assault, second degree assault, and false imprisonment.

Valdez remains in custody in the Denver County Jail and is scheduled to appear in Denver County Court room 12T for advisement on March 5, 2001 at 9 a.m. for advisement. Montoya has been released on a $25,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Denver County Court room 12T on March 9, 2001 at 9 a.m. for advisement.

A warrant has been issued for a third suspect, Henry Martinez (DOB: 10-12-79), who remains at large.

*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