More Potential Victims A Possibility In Care Center Investigation
BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4) - For the second time in one month an unregistered sex offender has been arrested at Boulder Manor Progressive Care Center.
Late last week Boulder police arrested Albert Gradoz. Boulder police spokeswoman Shannon Cordingly said he is currently being investigated for allegations he may have had inappropriate sexual contact with other patients.
"We are still actively talking with employees and patients because we believe there is a possibility that there are other victims," she said.
Cordingly says they were made aware of Gradoz's status while investigating another patient, Jerry Hinchliff.
Hinchliff, a registered sex offender in Adams County, was admitted into Boulder Manor in March. He had 30 days to inform law enformcent of his new residence but didn't.
"As the investigation unfolded we were able to gather probable cause that there was unlawful sexual contact between him and another patient," Cordingly said.
Police believe there are three victims in the two cases.
The two arrests have now heightened concerns among employees, who spoke anonymously with CBS4, and other patients as well as their families.
"They should screen people more going in," one resident said. "In therapy, where we go, there's children in there, too."
Even if the two men had registered, it's likely other residents would not have known. Currently, care facilities have no obligation to notify their patients of sex offenders in their midst.
LINK: Colorado Sex Offender Registry
"Just in general as a safety precaution you can go on the state site and use your zip code to register for notifications of sex offenders," Cordingly said. "However, that information is only helpful if they register."
Karen Morfitt Joined the CBS4 team as a reporter in 2013. She covers a variety of stories in and around metro Denver. Connect with her on Facebook, follow her on Twitter @karenmorfitt or email her tips.