Court files tied to the Center Police Department brothers now appear sealed, with officials declining to explain the outcome.
CENTER, Colo. — Twin brothers who led and served in the Center Police Department’s K-9 program resigned earlier this year while facing felony theft counts, and their criminal cases now appear to be closed and sealed, according to court and agency responses provided in recent days.
The cases involve Chief Aaron Fresquez and his twin brother, Officer Adam Fresquez, who were accused in 2024 of diverting money from a police dog training business that investigators said used town time and resources. Both pleaded not guilty in April and stepped down in June. A trial had been set for early November. The clerk’s office in Saguache County says no public record exists for either case now, language commonly used when files are sealed. Prosecutors and state investigators declined to say how the cases ended, leaving the town without a permanent chief and residents without a public explanation.
State agents with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation issued theft summonses to the 35-year-old brothers in October 2024 after a yearlong probe requested by the 12th Judicial District Attorney. The alleged loss fell between $5,000 and $20,000 to the Town of Center from K-9 training conducted for other agencies. The town placed both men on leave the same day and later named Lt. Eidy Guaderama interim chief. In April, the brothers entered not-guilty pleas, and in June they resigned from the department. A trial date was posted for early November. When asked this month about the status, the clerk for the 12th Judicial District replied that “no such public record exists” for the cases. A CBI spokesperson said the bureau had no explanation to offer, and district attorney offices in the San Luis Valley and La Plata County did not respond to questions.
Charging documents had alleged the brothers operated one private K-9 training business while on duty and used department facilities or equipment, then pocketed proceeds that should have gone to the town. In addition to felony theft allegations, the chief received a misdemeanor citation for official misconduct. Neither brother was booked into jail when summonses were issued, and no mug shots were taken. Center, a farming community in Saguache County, immediately reassigned leadership. Guaderama has remained interim chief, and the department’s website lists no permanent appointment. It is unknown whether the town has recouped funds or changed internal controls related to K-9 training revenue.
The case drew attention across southern Colorado last fall when local outlets reported on the unusual circumstance of twin officers under investigation in the same small department. Court calendars showed both cases moving together through 2025, including pretrial settings and the not-guilty pleas in April. Sealing of criminal records in Colorado removes files from public portals; agencies that hold the records must answer that no public record exists when asked, while law enforcement and courts may still view the materials. In Center, the K-9 program has historically served nearby agencies through demonstrations and drug-detection work, and photos from 2022 show Officer Adam Fresquez handling a police dog at a community event. The town has not announced changes to the K-9 program since the resignations.
Special prosecutors from the 6th Judicial District in La Plata County had been brought in to avoid conflicts. It is unclear what motions, if any, preceded the sealing, or whether a plea or dismissal occurred. The lack of a public docket also obscures whether restitution, training restrictions, or employment conditions were part of any resolution. State records show that sealed cases continue to exist within the justice system, but the public cannot see them. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation notes that criminal justice agencies retain access while routine background checks return no public record for the defendant. Without public filings, further appellate or disciplinary review is also unclear.
On Center’s main street, residents said the abrupt end of public records left them guessing about what happened. Town staff referred questions to law enforcement. Officers from surrounding agencies have continued to assist in the San Luis Valley during major incidents, a common practice among small departments. “People want closure either way,” a local business owner said, adding that the leadership vacancy has stretched through harvest season. Former colleagues described the twins as experienced handlers who promoted the K-9 program, while critics argued the town should audit any outside training conducted with public equipment.
As of Thursday, no public hearings were scheduled in the cases, and the town had not posted an update on selecting a permanent chief. Officials did not provide a timeline for naming a replacement. Any next milestone would likely come from a public announcement by prosecutors or the town board if they address the resignations or the K-9 unit’s future at a posted meeting.
Author note: Last updated December 4, 2025.