In a significant development, officials in Colorado have decided to drop all charges against the landlord of the Aurora apartment complex embroiled in the violent Venezuelan gang takeover scandal, according to a report. This apartment complex, Aspen Grove, has been at the center of controversy, with allegations of gang activity by members of the Tren de Aragua (TdA), a notorious Venezuelan migrant gang.
According to documents obtained by the *Denver Gazette*, the agreement between the city and Nome Partners, the property owner, outlines the terms under which the charges will be dropped. The landlord, Brian Baumgarten, had faced numerous charges for failing to maintain the Aspen Grove complex, which had deteriorated over time. The problems extended to his other properties, one of which was featured in a viral video showing TdA members taking over an apartment, even using heavy artillery to break down the door.
In exchange for dropping the charges, Baumgarten agreed to waive his right to a speedy trial, and Nome Partners LLC consented to sell or lease the property. Additionally, the company agreed to pay up to $60,000 to clean up and secure the apartment complex, according to *9News*. Baumgarten’s defense pointed to the TdA gang takeover as the main cause of the complex’s rapid decline into unlivable conditions.
The situation had reportedly been on law enforcement's radar for nearly a year, as confirmed by an investor in the property, who shared their frustrations in letters obtained by the *Denver Gazette*. The investor explained how TdA members had forcibly taken control of the property, prompting them to seek assistance from local officials to no avail.
Even Baumgarten explored the idea of hiring off-duty police officers to protect the premises, a request that was ultimately denied due to staffing shortages, according to Aurora Police spokesperson Joe Moylan.
This case has sparked a broader political debate, with Rep. Greg Lopez, R-Colo., calling for the Biden administration to take stronger action against illegal immigrant gangs operating in the U.S. Lopez has introduced a new bill aimed at compelling the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to issue detainers for known gang-affiliated migrants. This legislation is just one of many bills being put forward by House Republicans as they respond to mounting concerns about crimes committed by illegal immigrants across the nation.
In a letter addressed to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Lopez urged immediate action to remove foreign criminal gangs like Tren de Aragua from Colorado, especially in suburbs like Aurora. Lopez warned that the United States has lost control of its southern border, allowing gangs to infiltrate local communities and wreak havoc.
Despite these concerns, Aurora law enforcement has pushed back against the idea that there has been a full gang takeover. Interim Aurora Police Chief Heather Morris took to Facebook to explain that while there may be gang members in the community, the reality is far more complex than media portrayals.
However, the persistence of gang-related crimes linked to illegal immigrants, including high-profile killings, continues to fuel fears and political action. Federal officials acknowledge that TdA operates in the Denver area, adding to the uncertainty and tension in the community as officials grapple with how best to restore order.