EL PASO COUNTY, CO — A routine patrol conducted by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office led to the arrest of a violent, repeat offender in the Cimarron Hills area on Monday.
Deputies spotted a white Chevrolet pickup truck leaving the parking lot of the Econo Lodge on Panamint Court, which matched the description of a vehicle linked to a recent crime report. Additionally, the truck’s license plate cover was tinted, drawing further attention.
Upon initiating a traffic stop, deputies identified the driver as 28-year-old Mesha Hartman. A subsequent check confirmed that the vehicle had been reported stolen in Colorado Springs the previous month. During a search of the truck, authorities discovered a significant amount of drug paraphernalia, narcotics, and firearms.
Hartman, who was on parole at the time of the arrest, has an extensive criminal history, including previous convictions for weapons violations, narcotics offenses, and motor vehicle thefts. As a result of the discovery, Hartman was taken into custody and booked into the El Paso County Jail.
She now faces multiple charges, including possession of a weapon by a previous offender, motor vehicle theft, possession of drug paraphernalia, and fictitious registration.
El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal expressed his concern over Hartman’s early release from prison, citing her status as a prolific offender. In a statement following the arrest, Sheriff Roybal criticized the state’s approach to handling repeat criminals, referring to it as a “soft approach.” He expressed frustration that offenders like Hartman, who had a long history of criminal activity, are allowed back into communities before serving their full sentences.
“My deputies are working across our community to hold criminals accountable and stand against policies that prioritize the early release of dangerous offenders,” Sheriff Roybal stated. “Criminals should know that if they come to the Pikes Peak region and victimize our community, we will hold them accountable.”
Hartman’s arrest highlights ongoing concerns over the impact of criminal justice reforms that have led to the early release of individuals with extensive criminal backgrounds. Local law enforcement continues to monitor and respond to incidents involving repeat offenders in an effort to maintain public safety in the region.
