DOC officer charged with bringing contraband into Fremont prison

Tracy Harmon, The Pueblo Chieftain, Colo.
·2 min read

Jul. 15—CAÑON CITY — A correctional officer accused of attempting to bring drugs into the medium-security Fremont prison was charged with a felony Wednesday during an appearance in Fremont County District Court.

Kyle Gotham Tatro, 32, is charged with first-degree introduction of contraband.

A probable cause affidavit authored by Criminal Investigator Christopher Barr of the Colorado Department of Corrections Inspector General's office claims an informant alerted authorities that Tatro was expected to bring contraband into Fremont Correctional Facility in Cañon City on June 25.

The affidavit alleges that, when confronted by authorities upon his arrival at the prison, Tatro handed over a clear quart-size plastic bag that contained four plastic pens. According to the affidavit, one pen contained 5.9 grams of a white crystal-like substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine; two pens contained 19.7 grams of a dark tar-like substance that tested positive for opiates and the fourth pen contained nine small blue pills that were identified as Oxycodone.

The affidavit also cites an interview between Tatro and authorities, alleging he told his interviewers he had agreed to bring in the pens and was paid $250 to deliver them as well as admitted to being paid $340 cash the first time he brought drugs into the prison.

Tatro is cited as saying he "knew it was wrong and illegal to do so," according to the affidavit, which said he described a financial hardship due to COVID-19 and that he put $100 of the first payment toward a vacation and used the other $240 to buy a remote-controlled car.

Tatro is free on a $2,500 personal recognizance bail pending outcome of the case. Tatro has worked for the DOC since 2019.

He is currently on administrative leave pending the "appropriate personnel process," according to Annie Skinner, DOC public information officer.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in court. Arrests and charges are merely accusations by law enforcement until, and unless, a suspect is convicted of a crime.

Chieftain reporter Tracy Harmon covers business news. She can be reached by email at tharmon@chieftain.com or via Twitter at twitter.com/tracywumps.