12, Known As 'The Family,' Accused Of Metro Denver Crime Ring

Denver CO

28 December, 2020

1:01 PM

Description

DENVER, CO — Twelve people, who called themselves "The Family," are accused of committing a series of crimes to support their methamphetamine addiction, the Denver District Attorney's Office said. The group stole identities from more than 240 people, mainly through mail theft, the DA's office said. The group is also accused of stealing and selling weapons, bicycles, sports memorabilia, jewelry, electronics, and more than $550,000 in vehicles. Some of their crimes were violent, officials said. The 12 people face 92 counts, which include identity theft, second-degree kidnapping, first-degree burglary, robbery, aggravated motor vehicle theft in the first degree, criminal extortion and other charges. The group included Sarah Marie Lore, 38; Estevan Barrientos, 23; Sherry Beth Swain, 36; Martynas Calka, 22; Brian Hernandez, 30; Dakota Maurice Hoffman, 27; Misha Nicholas Lamanna, 41; Derrick Leo Mowery, 33; Clifford James Puppe, 36; Kimberly Jean Redd, 30; Matthew David Sanchez, 34; and Christopher Lee Wallman, 39, the DA's office said. Don't miss the latest news updates in Colorado. Sign up for free Patch news alerts and newsletters for what you need to know daily. Known as "Street Mom," Lore is accused of brokering deals in person and over Facebook to buy and sell items. The group — whom she called "street sons," "brothers" and "sisters" — shared money, property, food, clothing and living quarters, the DA's office said. They used a rental locker, where they stored a notebook with instructions for how to commit fraud crimes, court documents show. Lore is also accused of "maintaining control" of "family" operations through violent attacks on members, the DA's office said. Police departments and agencies from across Denver's metro area assisted with the investigation. The 12 people are being tried individually in Denver District Court.