Hundreds of copies of a local Colorado newspaper were stolen after the latest issue published a report alleging that a teenage girl was raped by her stepson at the home of a small-town police chief.
of Ouray County Plain Dealer report A 17-year-old girl told investigators she was repeatedly raped by at least three other teens at a party at the home of Ouray Police Chief Jeff Wood in May 2023, police said.
Thursday's report details how the girl said she was raped “during a late night party with the police chief's son-in-law and two other suspects,” and told investigators that “the girl screamed and screamed.” “They fought back, while the others were sleeping upstairs.”
The unnamed girl was raped at least three times in her bedroom and bathroom during an alcohol-fueled night in and out of consciousness. plain dealer The report cited an arrest affidavit from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
Three suspects were arrested in the case, including Nate Diffenderfer, the son-in-law of Police Chief Jeff Wood. Gabriel Trujillo and Ashton Whittington were also taken into custody.
Left to right: Nathan Defenderfer, Gabriel Trujillo, Ashton Whittington (Colorado Bureau of Investigation)
“At the time of the incident, Trujillo was 19 years old and Whittington had just turned 18 and was celebrating his birthday,” the newspaper reported. “Diefenfenderfer was also about to turn 18 within a few days.”
All three suspects deny the charges. released According to Fox 31, he was released from jail on bond.
later plain dealer It published the story on the front page Thursday, but its newsroom reported that many of its printed newspapers had disappeared.
on friday reportthe outlet said, “more than 200.” Ouray County Plain Dealer The “newspaper” was stolen from a vending rack at Ridgway and Ouray on Thursday morning, shortly after publication.
“It's clear that someone didn't want the community to read this week's news.” Newsletter and sent it to readers. “I'll leave it to you to draw your own conclusions about which stories they didn't want you to read.”
However, the documents were “returned within 12 hours.” plain dealer Office,” according to a report Friday.
“After several hours, plain dealer The paper added that “an individual” claimed responsibility and said he would turn himself in to authorities.
It is unclear whether the person has already turned himself in to law enforcement.
“Investigating authorities have asked this paper not to reveal details until the investigation is complete,” the newspaper said, adding that there was “no reason to believe” that the people involved in the rape were involved in the theft.
of plain dealer's The newsletter ended with a message of resilience.
We will never stop doing our job of highlighting important issues in our community and keeping you informed.
This person is not going to steal hundreds of newspapers and shut down freedom of the press. Our community won't stand for it and neither will we.
“If you intended to intimidate us, you have only strengthened our resolve,” the paper concluded emphatically.
