Former Police Activities League Team Manager Denies Involvement With Robbery
DENVER (CBS4) - A man an officer recognized as a former team manager in the Denver Police Activities League (PAL) is accused in the robbery of an elderly woman as she emerged from a Walmart with the proceeds of a cashed tax refund check.
The officer recognized Jesse Giron, 39, in a crime alert bulletin. They are still looking for Lenny Esquibel, 39, who is accused of punching Elmeania Lamprey, 70, outside the Walmart located at 7800 East Smith Road.
Giron made his first appearance in court Thursday morning. His lawyer said Giron was unaware of the robbery at the Walmart. Also that he once he saw his picture on the news he called police and said he didn't rob anyone, but did turn himself in.
Giron claims he was outside in his SUV when the other suspect got in his vehicle apparently after violently robbing Lamprey.
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Giron's wife told CBS4 he's being wrongly accused and that through his volunteer work with PAL he's helped a lot of children.
Lamprey says she's still a little bruised up and that she had planned to use that money to buy gifts for her grandchildren and possibly take them on vacation.
"Just those thoughts that I had a little money to take care of my grandkids," Lamprey said.
Officials with PAL told CBS4 Giron had been a volunteer with the organization for years when they decided to no longer work with him last fall. They said they were aware Giron had a criminal past but feel nonviolent offenders who have turned their life around offer at-risk children a unique perspective for staying out of trouble.
