This past week, Garfield County’s courtrooms saw a number of high-profile cases from throughout the community, ranging from sexual assault charges against a local soccer coach to major drug seizures and ongoing proceedings in a 2019 child prostitution sting.

Cesar Herrera Romero

Cesar Herrera Romero, 20,, appeared before 9th Judicial District Court Judge John Neiley on Thursday, facing serious allegations. 

Arrested on June 7, Romero is charged with two counts of sexual assault on a child and an additional count of sexual assault on a child by a person in a position of trust. Romero was alleged to have gained access to victims through his proximity to Roaring Fork United Soccer Club, although he was not a coach in the club.

The case, initiated by the Carbondale Police Department following a tip from the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office, involves accusations from juveniles. 

Deputy District Attorney Virginia Sorrell mentioned during Romero’s Thursday review hearing that she was in the process of drafting a Dispute Resolution Appointment (DRA) while agreeing to the case’s continuation to 8:15 a.m., Feb. 22.

Jason Perpich

Jason Perpich, who also stood before Judge Neilley on Thursday, was apprehended during a routine traffic stop by the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office on Dec. 23.

At around 7:45 p.m. Garfield County sheriffs noticed a dark-colored SUV with its rear hatch open, driving hazardously on Gilstrap Court in West Glenwood. The SUV, seemingly loaded with items at risk of falling out, was followed by Garfield County officers as it entered Interstate 70 heading east.

A probable cause search was conducted after Perpich denied consent for a vehicle search. Sheriffs discovered a meth pipe with residue, two glass jars with white pills, and a bag of an unknown white crystalline substance. A field test identified the substance as meth, weighing 26.47 grams.

Further search yielded a smaller bag containing 3.89 grams of methamphetamine and white pills stamped with M-30 in a glass bottle, which tested positive for fentanyl, weighing 10.99 grams. Additionally, oval-shaped pills found in an orange pill bottle weighed 1.71 grams and tested positive for alprazolam, a schedule four substance.

His charges include two counts of possession with intent to manufacture or distribute a controlled substance (Class II Drug Felonies) and two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance (Class IIII Drug Felonies), along with a petty drug offense. 

Perpich, planning to seek private counsel, was advised by Neiley to also consider applying to the public defender’s office.

Perpich is due in court at 8:15 a.m. on Feb. 8.

Scott Fetzer

Also on the docket was the case of Scott Fetzer, arrested as part of a child prostitution sting in September 2019. 

In collaboration with state attorneys and local police, the Department of Homeland Security undertook an undercover operation, establishing online advertisements in forums frequently visited by individuals seeking to engage in sexual activities with minors.

During the operation, nine people, including Fetzer, engaged with undercover officers. These individuals were accused of discussing and agreeing on monetary terms to engage in sexual activities with children. The nine individuals were arrested when they arrived at the designated locations looking to carry out these acts.

Fetzer has a notable history in the art and antique world in the Roaring Fork Valley, having managed the Aspen Antique Jewelry and Fine Arts Show for over 15 years. Fetzer was also linked to Fetzer’s Fine Antiques, a business that was addressed to a home in the Aspen Glen neighborhood.

Fetzer’s next court appearance is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 13.