Saudi man held, suspected of trying to lure teen on net
GOLDEN — A 23-year-old man from Saudi Arabia has been arrested on suspicion of Internet luring of a child.
Majid Al Quarishi reportedly was coming to Colorado from Saudi Arabia to finish his bachelor’s degree at Colorado State University.
Al Quarishi approached Mike Harris, an Internet investigator with the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, during an online chat in November, thinking Harris was an underage minor, according to Pam Russell, spokeswoman for the district attorney.
During the initial chat, Al Quarishi allegedly suggested sexual activity, Russell said.
In a later exchange, Al Quarishi agreed to meet with the “teen” at Panda Express in the main terminal of Denver International Airport when he arrived.
Al Quarishi was arrested Thursday, Russell said.
Marijuana operation reported in home
COLORADO SPRINGS — Law enforcement agents report finding a marijuana cultivation operation in a home on the city’s west side.
Friday night, police conducted a “knock and talk” investigation at 501 Argus Drive.
When 31-year-old Anthony Cappiello opened the front door, officers were struck by an overwhelming smell of marijuana, authorities said.
Investigators seized 342 marijuana plants, 3.2 pounds of refined marijuana, 63 grams of Psilocybin mushrooms, 161.9 grams of peyote and three firearms.
Council OKs extending pact on development loans
The Denver City Council decided Monday to allow an extension on a city contract with a nonprofit that specializes in securing loans to revitalize impoverished neighborhoods.
The city last year gave a $3 million contract to Seedco Financial Services, $2.5 million of which came from federal Community Development Block Grant funds.
The contract was supposed to be the first in a five-year commitment from the city.
Each year, the city plans to give $3 million to Seedco, which will use the money to attract private investment for redevelopment.
Councilwoman Jeanne Faatz objected to allowing Seedco to continue drawing down on the amount committed last year because she feared too much was going to administrative costs in New York. But the council approved the extension on a 10-2 vote, with Faatz and Councilman Charlie Brown dissenting.
Man accused of harassing women on plane appears in court
A Canadian man who officials say slapped the buttocks of a woman and kissed the wife of a fellow passenger on the cheek while aboard an Alaska Airlines flight appeared in U.S. District Court on Monday to face criminal charges.
Russell William Petrie, 30, is charged with interference with a flight crew and abusive sexual contact.
Petrie is accused of slapping a fellow passenger’s behind as she passed him.
At another point, a man and his wife sitting near Petrie complained that he said the wife was “sexy, hot and very attractive” and then leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.
Petrie’s flight from Seattle to Miami was diverted to Denver International Airport on Thursday because of the disturbance.
