Former sheriff’s deputy sentenced for theft from crime scene

PUEBLO, Colo. (AP) – A former Fremont County sheriff’s deputy has been sentenced to two years in prison for stealing from the scene of a still-unsolved homicide and arson.

Christopher Pape, 30, earlier pleaded guilty to felony evidence tampering and official misconduct and theft for taking nearly $6,000 worth of silver ingots, coins and other items while helping to investigate the May 22 beating death of 76-year-old Kenneth Orchard of Canon City.

The Pueblo Chieftain reports Jeanette Orchard said Pape picked up where her father’s robber and killer left off and made it nearly impossible to solve the case.

Defense attorney Ryan Roberts said Pape “is a good man who made a horrible mistake.”

The theft was discovered due to differences in crime scene photos. Surveillance video from a pawn shop showed Pape selling some of the items.