Three people have been arrested in connection to a recent burglary in Loma. On January 20, 2023, multiple firearms and suppressors were stolen from a home-based gunsmithing business in Loma.

Following up on several leads, investigators located photos on social media of one suspect in possession of several of the stolen weapons.  Law Enforcement identified the suspect and, with Parole's assistance, located 24-year-old Raymon Chavez at his home in the 1700 block of Juniper Court.  During law enforcement’s contact with Chavez, a stolen fully automatic assault rifle was located in plain view in Chavez’s vehicle. Charges related to this case are pending.

A short time later, a second suspect, Leonel Valencia, was pulled over during a high-risk traffic stop.  Two additional stolen guns were located, one from the Loma burglary and another from a Grand Junction Police Department Theft from Auto case. Valencia was arrested on an outstanding warrant out of the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office for an unrelated incident.  

Search warrants were executed at the Juniper Court address and a residence in the 2800 block of Alta Vista Drive.  Twenty-year-old Adrian Damaso was located at the Alta Vista address and taken into custody.  Investigators have recovered 15 of 17 reported stolen firearms and all four stolen suppressors. Two additional stolen firearms related to GJPD cases were also recovered.

The Mesa County Sheriff's Office is grateful for the assistance of the Colorado State Patrol, Parole, the ATF, and DEA in locating these suspects and dangerous weapons. All agencies are extremely relieved these firearms have been safely recovered.

All three men are currently being held in the Mesa County Detention Facility, facing multiple felony charges related to this case.  For bond amounts, visit our website.

Raymon Chavez, age 24

• Vehicular Eluding – F5
• Reckless Driving
• Driving Under Restraint
• Failed to Drive in Single Lane
• Obstructing Government Operations 

Additional charges are pending

Adrian Damaso, age 20

• Possession of a Dangerous or Illegal Weapon - F5
• 2nd Degree Burglary – Theft of a Firearm - F3
• Theft $20,000 - $100-000 from a Building – F4 

Leonel Valencia, age 24

• Fugitive of Another Jurisdiction
• Possessing a dangerous Weapon – F5
• Theft $20,000 - $100,000 from a Building – F4