Arrest affidavit says Fremont County detective stole and sold items from crime scene

The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office confirmed on Tuesday that 30-year-old Christopher Pape has been terminated from his position at the department.

Pape is currently facing several criminal charges including attempt to influence a public servant, tampering with physical evidence and theft. The alleged criminal activity supposedly occurred during his duties as a detective with the sheriff’s office.

Th arrest affidavit for Pape was obtained by KRDO’s news partners at the Pueblo Chieftain, and for the first time since Pape’s arrest last month, details are being revealed about the charges against Pape.

In the affidavit, it says Pape responded to the scene of a suspicious fire in May on Pinion Avenue in Canon City.

77-year-old Kenneth Orchard was found dead in his home, so law enforcement officials, including Pape, joined the investigation.

The arrest paperwork goes on to say that investigators determined rare coins and silver had been stolen from the residence, and photographs taken at the scene at different times determined the items were stolen after law enforcement officials had arrived.

From there, a full investigation was launched to find out what happened to the stolen items, and several officers who were working on the investigation at the home were interviewed.

At that time, Pape was interviewed and denied taking the items.

However, investigators noted that Pape was then caught on surveillance at a coin and collectible shop in Canon City selling coins and silver the day after he was at the home investigating, leading them to believe he did, in fact, steal the items and sold them.

Investigators say the total estimated cost of the stolen items was $5,280.00.

Sheriff Jim Beicker spoke with KRDO shortly after Pape was arrested. He said at that time that the allegations were troubling.

“This is just disturbing for all of us and most certainly for the citizens of this county but I want to you to know we will hold that person accountable,” said Beicker.

Pape’s alleged actions are also creating problems for other cases he’s investigated.

The Pueblo Chieftain reports that the defense attorney for Tyler Delaney has requested an internal investigation into Pape’s actions.

Delaney is accused of using a sawed-off shotgun to shoot and kill Thomas Gwardyak last year near Brush Hollow Reservoir.

The attorney says he requested the review to see if there was any relevant information that might pertain to Delaney’s case.

Pape is expected back in a Fremont County courtroom for a hearing at the end of July.