Historical Jail Cell Stolen, Stripped For Cash

There are thieves who rob banks and, according to the Colorado Springs Police Department, those who steal a jail.

Two people have been arrested and two are still wanted in connection with the theft of a late 1800s-era jail used in Old Colorado City at the turn of the 20th century.

Charles McNew, 27, and Josh Vaughn, 32, have been arrested and are charged with theft, a class four felony that could lead to between one and 12 years in prison upon conviction. Police are still on the hunt for Jessica Ramsey, 23, and Kenneth Hanowell, 22.

The jail was purchased by the developer of the Gold Hill Mesa neighborhood, more than a decade ago. Bob Willard said he envisioned displaying it as historic art.

“We have a lot of art in the neighborhood and this is what I’d call functional art,” said Willard.

Thieves, though, saw it as an easy target according to Colorado Springs Police. Willard said thieves made their way onto the property several times, posing as construction workers, and the cut the 6,000-pound jail into pieces to sell as scrap metal.

“(Police) can only account for about 2,500 pounds,” said Willard.

When Willard purchased the jail from Dave Lippincott’s Surplus City on Colorado Avenue, it was with the purpose of keeping a piece of Old Colorado City around forever. Since then, it had been used as jail in a charity event where participants had to pay “bail money” to get friends out. Willard said they also found an abandoned blanket and pillow in the cell recently, leading them to believe a homeless person had camped out there for at least one night.

“My wife (would) probably prefer that I live there sometimes, but other than that, I don’t know anyone that spent the night in there,” said Willard.

Police wouldn’t say how much the scrap metal was worth, but Willard said it pales in comparison to what was lost.

“When you have something that unique, and for someone tear up or destroy it, it’s just sad,” said Willard.