EPC Sheriff's Office

06/06/2026

Interested in becoming a member of the BEST Search and Rescue Team in Colorado?

Are you interested in joining our team? The next Prospective Member Info Session is at 1900 on Tuesday, June 9th, at our Rescue Base. We hope to see you there!

06/06/2026

One of the best nights of the year. Get your tickets, they will go fast 🐴🚔🚒.

Proceeds go to first responder charities in the Pikes Peak region.

06/05/2026

⭐️El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Regional Training Academy Graduates Class 26-1⭐️

Today, El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal administered the Oath of Office to 33 newly certified Class I Colorado Peace Officers during the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Regional Training Academy Class 26-1 Graduation Ceremony at New Life Church in Colorado Springs.

The graduates completed an intensive 20-week academy designed to prepare recruits for the challenges and responsibilities of modern law enforcement. Recruit Class 26-1 began training on January 20, 2026, and now joins agencies across Colorado ready to serve their communities with professionalism, integrity, and dedication.

The graduating class includes officers and deputies from multiple agencies throughout the state:

-26 will serve with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office
-2 will serve with the Teller County Sheriff’s Office
-1 will serve with the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office
-1 will serve with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office
-2 will serve with the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office
-1 will serve with Colorado State Parole

This graduation marks the tenth class to complete the updated Colorado POST certification program since Sheriff Roybal took office in January 2023. The continued success of the Regional Training Academy reflects strong partnerships among participating agencies and a shared commitment to developing highly qualified peace officers.

“Today marks the beginning of a noble profession for 33 newly certified peace officers who have earned the privilege of serving their communities,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal.

“Over the past 20 weeks, these recruits demonstrated resilience, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to public service. I am also grateful to Sheriffs Mikesell, Speckman, Cooper, and Thornton, and to Director Bess, for entrusting our academy with the training and development of their recruits. Their confidence in our program is a responsibility we take very seriously.

“As you take your oath and pin on the badge, remember what it represents. It is a commitment to uphold the Constitution, protect others’ rights, and serve with integrity in every interaction. Communities will look to you during moments of crisis, uncertainty, and need. Your ability to lead with courage, compassion, and sound judgment will make a lasting difference.

“The badge connects you to a proud tradition of service and sacrifice carried forward by generations of peace officers. From this day forward, you carry both the trust of your community and the responsibility to honor that legacy.

“Congratulations, Recruit Class 26-1. Your hard work has brought you to this moment, and your service begins today. Welcome to the peacekeeper family.”

The next POST-certified class from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Regional Training Academy is scheduled to graduate in October 2026 and will include recruits from agencies across Colorado.

Individuals interested in a career with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office can learn more at www.joinepso.com.

06/05/2026

🍩 Happy National Donut Day! 🍩

Today, we're celebrating one of America's favorite sweet treats—and its surprisingly meaningful history.

Did you know National Donut Day was established in 1938 by The Salvation Army to honor the "Donut Lassies"? During World War I, these brave volunteers served donuts and coffee to soldiers on the front lines, providing comfort and a taste of home.

And while donuts have been enjoyed in various forms for centuries, the ring-shaped donut became popular in the mid-1800s after a New England sailor reportedly punched a hole in the center to help the dough cook more evenly!

Whether you prefer glazed, chocolate-frosted, powdered, or filled, today is the perfect excuse to enjoy your favorite donut and share a smile with someone else.

What's your go-to donut flavor? Let us know in the comments! 🍩❤️

06/04/2026

⚠️Missing At-Risk Adult Investigation Leads to Kidnapping and S*xual Assault Charges⚠️

On September 24th, 2025, the El Paso County Regional Communications Center received a report of a missing at-risk adult. The reporting party said the missing individual was last seen around 1:30 PM near their residence. The reporting party raised concerns for their well-being.

Using a phone-tracking app, the reporting party believed the missing individual was at a residence in the 2700 block of Robinson Street, a trailer park in unincorporated El Paso County.

Manitou Springs Police Officers conducted a neighborhood canvass, and a neighbor reported a belief the individual was inside a particular trailer.

Officers knocked on the door, and a 69-year-old adult male identified as Eugene Romero refused to open it but spoke with Officers through a bedroom window.

During questioning, Romero admitted another person was inside.

Officers visually located and positively identified the missing individual inside the trailer and asked them to come outside.

Romero denied any wrongdoing and said he would “never risk his freedom.”

The victim, who has an intellectual disability, could not articulate details of events but displayed signs of sexual assault and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Due to the nature of the investigation, the Manitou Springs Police Department requested assistance, and Detectives with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office began work on the case.

On September 30th, 2025, Detectives secured search warrants for Romero’s residence and for his body to collect DNA swabs.

The DNA swabs and other evidence were sent for testing.

Additionally, Detectives conducted interviews with the victim, who provided details which indicated sexual assault and kidnapping.

On May 14, 2026, Detectives received DNA results from swabs collected from the victim and suspect, confirming a match to other evidence collected in this case.

On May 22, 2026, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Patrol deputies arrested Eugene Romero at his residence. He was booked into the El Paso County Jail on the following charges:

-Second Degree Kidnapping
-Crimes Against At-Risk Persons
-S*xual Assault
-Unlawful S*xual Contact
-False Imprisonment

El Paso County Sheriff Roybal stated, “If you bring harm to the innocent and vulnerable, you will lose your freedom in El Paso County. Anyone who preys on members of our community, especially individuals placed at greater risk, should expect relentless pursuit by law enforcement and full accountability through our criminal justice system. We stand with victims, we protect our community, and we will not stop until offenders face consequences.”

Romero is being held on a $75,000 bond.

06/02/2026

❌Convicted Child S*x Offender Sentenced to Prison Following Years-Long Abuse Investigation❌

In January 2025, detectives with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division arrested 42-year-old Steven Leckenby following an exhaustive investigation into allegations of a pattern of sexual assaults on children. Leckenby faced multiple charges, including sexual assault on a child and aggravated in**st, with allegations spanning more than a decade and involving multiple victims.

Some of the reported offenses dated back to 2012, underscoring the severity and scope of the investigation.

This week, 43-year-old Steven Leckenby was sentenced to 15 years to life, with an indeterminate parole term of 20 years to life, as part of a plea agreement for S*xual Assault on a Child (Pattern of Abuse, Position of Trust) involving a victim under the age of 15. Additionally, Leckenby was designated a sexually violent predator.

“There is no place in our community for those who prey on the innocence of children,” stated El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “These heinous crimes not only shatter lives but also undermine the trust and safety every child deserves. With this conviction, an individual who exploited and victimized the innocent will no longer be able to harm members of our community.

“I am grateful for the dedication and persistence of our detectives, whose tireless work helped bring justice in this case. Most importantly, we recognize the tremendous courage of the victim who came forward — an act of extraordinary bravery that made accountability possible and reflects incredible strength in the face of trauma.

“The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to pursuing justice for victims, holding predators accountable, and protecting the most vulnerable members of our community.”

06/02/2026

⭐️El Paso County Sheriff Encourages Public Review and Feedback on Colorado Specified Semiautomatic Fi****ms Guidance⭐️

On May 15, 2026, the Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR) published official guidance related to Senate Bill 25-003 (SB25-003), identifying specific fi****ms that fall under the state’s new “Specified Semiautomatic Fi****ms” (SSF) category.

The draft guidance document spans 152 pages and organizes fi****ms into three categories:

-Semiautomatic rifles with detachable magazines
-Semiautomatic shotguns with detachable magazines
-Gas-operated semiautomatic pistols with detachable magazines

Beginning August 1, 2026, individuals seeking to purchase or transfer a Specified Semiautomatic Firearm (SSF) in Colorado will be required to complete a fi****ms safety course before the transaction may occur.

Under SB25-003, an SSF is defined as a semiautomatic rifle or shotgun with a detachable magazine, or a gas-operated semiautomatic handgun with a detachable magazine. The Department of Revenue is responsible for maintaining and continuously updating the list of designated SSFs as manufacturers introduce new fi****ms to the market.

This legislation applies to the purchase or transfer of Specified Semiautomatic Fi****ms occurring on or after August 1, 2026. Individuals lawfully in possession of an SSF before that date are not affected by the law.

Joseph Roybal, Sheriff of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, is encouraging residents of the Pikes Peak region to review the guidance document, submit comments to the Colorado Department of Revenue, and remain engaged throughout the implementation process.

“Second Amendment rights matter deeply to many citizens in our community, and I encourage everyone to stay informed and engaged as this law moves toward implementation,” Sheriff Joseph Roybal stated. “My office is actively developing a rollout plan for SB25-003 to make the process as efficient as possible and ensure convenience for law-abiding citizens who wish to exercise their Second Amendment rights.

“This process will be clear, accessible, and convenient for our community.”

Sheriff Roybal also encouraged citizens to review the state’s draft guidance and provide public feedback.

“Public input matters,” Roybal added. “I strongly encourage citizens to review the proposed guidance, understand how it may affect them, and share feedback as the state finalizes implementation.”

Residents are encouraged to review the SB25-003 Specified Semiautomatic Fi****ms Guidance (Draft – May 15, 2026) and submit comments here ⬇️⬇️⬇️

The Fi****ms Dealer Division (FDD) is requesting industry feedback on a preliminary draft of the Specified Semiautomatic Fi****ms Guidance document as required by Senate Bill 25-003. 

06/01/2026

⚠️ Deputies Arrest Armed Suspect After Vehicle Shot at Near Outback View ⚠️

On May 26, 2026, at approximately 4:50 PM, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Regional Communications Center received a report of an individual shooting at a vehicle near Outback View in the Midway area of unincorporated El Paso County.

Sheriff’s Office Patrol deputies responded to the area and contacted two victims who were occupants of the vehicle when shots were fired. The victims were not injured.

The suspect, a resident of the 5900 block of Rattlesnake Point identified as 34-year-old Robert Holly, had allegedly dug a trench across the roadway in front of his property to prevent vehicles from driving on it, claiming the roadway was private property and forcing vehicles to drive around it.

When the victims attempted to pass through the area, a verbal argument ensued, and the suspect allegedly fired rounds into the rear of their vehicle.

Deputies attempted to contact Holly, who had barricaded himself inside a camper on the property. Additional resources responded to provide support and ensure the safety of the surrounding community.

After several attempts to speak with Holly and gain compliance with law enforcement commands, he was taken into custody without incident at approximately 8:05 PM.

“The safety of our residents remains our highest priority,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “My deputies responded swiftly and professionally to bring this dangerous situation to a safe resolution and prevent further harm to the community. Criminal behavior putting lives at risk will not be tolerated in the Pikes Peak region, and we remain committed to ensuring those responsible are held accountable for their actions. I thank our amazing deputies and professional staff for their dedication, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to keeping our residents safe.”

Holly was transported to the El Paso County Jail and is facing the following charges:

-First-degree assault
-Illegal discharge of a firearm
-Criminal mischief
-Reckless endangerment

He was released on May 29, 2026, on a $10,000 bond.

05/31/2026

Special delivery for a very special little girl! 🎀

Our sweet Jr. Deputy Claire (you may remember she visited our Office in December because Santa Claus entrusted us with her gifts) recently lost her favorite stuffed animal, EPSO K9 Jack- and her mother told us she was heartbroken 💔.

We could not let her go without- so the real K9 Jack and his handler Deputy Robblee stopped by to deliver Claire 4 new EPSO K9s- Jack, Knox, Jinx, and Taz. 🐕 🐶 🐾

She was elated! 😃

Claire was paired with Sheriff Roybal and his wife Melissa, at Shop with a Cop in 2023- and we have been her biggest cheerleaders since. 🎉 🎊 🙌

She told Deputy Robblee during the visit- she could not wait to work as a Deputy some day.

We love you, Claire- you are our hero!