CONTRACTOR PLEADS GUILTY TO THEFT IN ADAMS COUNTY

A kitchen remodeling contractor pleaded guilty Thursday to felony theft for taking money for jobs and then failing to do the work.

Herman Hinojosa, 73, who owned and operated Kitchens 4 Less, was to stand trial next week on multiple charges of theft and check fraud, according to the Adams County District Attorney’s Office.

In 2014, Hinojosa and his wife, Susan, 60, were charged with 30 counts in the case. In November 2015, Susan Hinojosa was convicted of 23 counts and sentenced to eight years in prison. She was ordered to pay $100,848 in restitution.

On Thursday, Herman Hinojosa pleaded guilty to one count of theft from an at-risk adult. He is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 31 in Adams County District Court. As part of a plea agreement, his sentence will be capped at 18 years.

Rain delays work on paved trail connecting Fort Collins, Loveland

Recent rainy weather has delayed completion of the Front Range Trail, the first paved trail to connect Loveland and Fort Collins.

When construction began in June, trail planners expected that it would be complete and open by the beginning of October. That has been pushed back to the end of the month.

“It’s been the rain,” said Zac Wiebe, trails coordinator for Larimer County.

Loveland alone has received 0.57 inches of rain during the first four days of October, which is half of the average amount for the entire month, while September saw just less than 2 inches of rain, which was about a half inch above average for that month.

And more precipitation is forecast for the rest of this week and into early next week.

Police investigate homicide in man’s death near Cherry Creek trail

Denver police are investigating a homicide after a man who was found badly beaten beside the Cherry Creek trail on Sunday died Tuesday.

Police have provided few details and no suspect information. The Denver medical examiner has identified the victim as Juan Mendez Lopez.

The man was still alive when he was found in the water near Cherry Creek Drive North and Monroe Street, Christine Downs, police spokeswoman said on Thursday.

Police ask anyone who might have seen what happened or has information about the incident to call Denver Metro Crimestoppers at 720-913-7867.