A Cortez man was found guilty of first-degree criminal trespassing and violating a protection order Wednesday.
Robert Jones was visiting his daughter in June when his former wife called the police and claimed Jones had violated a restraining order. She also alleged he had abused her.
He was accused of leaving a vest containing meth and a pipe while he was at the home, leading to drug charges. He was also charged with allegations of domestic violence.
The jury found him not guilty of possessing meth, drug paraphernalia or domestic violence.
Robert Jones’ ex-wife, Joan Jones had taken out a restraining order against her husband in 2005. But between 2005 and 2015, Robert had visited her home on many occasions and he believed the restraining order was no longer in place, public defender Kenneth Pace told the jury.
Jones also denied possessing meth, and his defense attorney said it was possible the meth could have been planted in his vest by someone else.
However, Assistant District Attorney Sean Murray said Robert Jones knowingly violated the restraining order and showed the jury a footage from a police officer’s lapel camera in which Jones admitted he knew about the order.
Jones could face up to three years in prison for criminal trespassing.
He is scheduled to be sentenced April 7.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
