Courtesy photo
Adam Huber, left, the man serving a six-month sentence for stabbing a 14-year-old boy in the hand at Bud Werner Memorial Library in April, was involved in an altercation Saturday with the boy’s older brother, William Ellifritz, who has pleaded guilty to second-degree burglary and second-degree theft related to six burglaries at downtown businesses May 4.
Sheriff investigates fight at Routt County Jail
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Steamboat Springs — An oversight at the Routt County Jail led to a fight between two inmates in the visitation area.
Adam Huber, the man serving a six-month sentence for stabbing a 14-year-old boy in the hand at Bud Werner Memorial Library in April, was involved in an altercation Saturday with the boy’s older brother, William Ellifritz, who has pleaded guilty to second-degree burglary and second-degree theft related to six burglaries at downtown businesses May 4. Police say the 14-year-old brother admitted to helping Ellifritz commit the crimes.
Routt County Sheriff Garrett Wiggins said that Ellifritz shared a pod with Huber when he first arrived at the jail and that they were separated once it was realized there was a potential for conflict.
“We try our hardest to keep them separated,” Wiggins said.
But the men found themselves together again in the visitation room Saturday, and a fight ensued. Wiggins said there are conflicting statements as to who started the fight, and the investigation is ongoing.
According to an affidavit filed in Routt County Court, Huber told deputies he entered the visitation room, Ellifritz called him a name and Huber then asked Ellifritz, “What are you going to do?”
“Ellifritz said, ‘You stab little kids’ and started punching him and the two wrestled to the ground,” the affidavit states.
Ellifritz said Huber walked into the visiting area and started saying, “Do something. Do something.”
Wiggins said the fight lasted about 35 seconds before deputies realized what was happening and broke it up.
“I think we handled it appropriately,” Wiggins said. “I wish our deputies would have realized that we had two people in there that didn’t get along and would have caught it earlier.”
Wiggins said a preliminary analysis of audio recordings indicate Ellifritz made the first instigating statement.
Both men have been charged with misdemeanor harassment and appeared in Routt County Court on Wednesday. Routt County Chief Deputy District Attorney Rusty Prindle said he is waiting to receive the police reports before proceeding with the cases.
Ellifritz appeared unharmed while Huber had several cuts and bruises around his eyes and forehead.
“I didn’t do this attack on him,” Huber said. “Your honor, Mr. Prindle, I sure wish you all would have let me out. This wouldn’t have happened.”
Ellifritz did not speak in court.
Jail Lt. Michelle Richardson said both men were put in disciplinary lockdown after the fight, which means their privileges have been taken away and they are isolated in the cell 23 hours of each day.
“We have zero tolerance for fighting in the facility,” Richardson said.
Wiggins said either man could have avoided the altercation by leaving the visiting area. Wiggins said he thinks the deputy working in the control center at the time did not realize the two men were in the visiting area at the same time.
Wiggins said he and deputies would meet to discuss ways to keep similar incidents from happening in the future, but he said fights are inevitable in a detention facility.
“If someone is determined to get even with someone ... they’ll seize the moment, even if it’s only 15 seconds,” Wiggins said.
To reach Matt Stensland, call 970-871-4247 or email mstensland@SteamboatToday.com
Comments
spidermite 1 year, 9 months ago
Adam, You need to contact the ACLU while your still alive. Let them deal with Rusty Prindle.
spidermite 1 year, 9 months ago
Why is self defense punishable with isolation? Adam didn't cause this proplem.The deputies did! Were they punished?
thalgard 1 year, 9 months ago
Free Huber! The Ellifritz character is a thug and a thief...send him to Canyon City where he belongs!
3canines 1 year, 9 months ago
There was the potential for conflict? These two guys didn't get along? DUH!? Come on, detention deputies - let's use some common sense! Even when incarcerated Huber can't be protected from the Ellifritz thugs!? This was not difficult to foresee and these two NEVER should have been put together! Who is running the show out there!? Ridiculous that Huber continues to be subjected to this nonsense!
Jason Miller 1 year, 9 months ago
I have never been there.But i would think that the Routt county jail can not be that big.The deputies are doing their best so cut them some slack.
thalgard 1 year, 9 months ago
Hi way...everyone in that household has a different last name...go figure
rhys jones 1 year, 9 months ago
Well we can rule out inbreeding. Maybe.
Phoebe Hackman 1 year, 9 months ago
No lifeguard in the gene pool ... Huber should get a restraining order against Ellifritz and his entire family. They will never take responsibility for the 14yo's part in the whole library fiasco. Huber will never be safe in this town as long as either one of those boys is free. Ellifritz, you turned your brother into a criminal. He better get used to being stabbed and worse, if somebody doesn't get him turned around. You continue to be a pl$$ poor role model. What did their mom say? "Boys will be boys." Wait til she sees how the boys in a real prison play, 'cause both of her little darlings seem headed in that direction.
housepoor 1 year, 9 months ago
It would seem to be a no brainer to keep these two apart.
spidermite 1 year, 9 months ago
"The deputies are doing the best they can"?? I think Adam could file a law suit against Routt County. Their was no reason for him to be injured. Their is no reason for him to be in isolation. If I were you Rusty, I would find a way to get out of this "possible law suit" instead of trying to file more charges.
rhys jones 1 year, 9 months ago
I agree. The County put Huber at risk, however stupidly, knowing of the probability of more idiotic behavior on scumbag Ellifritz' part. So they railroaded him the first time, throwing the wrong guy in jail, then put him at risk again, to his detriment. When are they gonna stop beating this guy up? How about it, Routt County? Look how the RCSO is spending our money, because I'd say there is cause for action here. I hope Adam invests it well, even gets a nice place.
MsRed 1 year, 9 months ago
This situation seems like it is/was very avoidable; they (RSCO) knew there was a potential for problems between these two- they admitted it. Good luck avoiding a lawsuit from Mr. Huber.
spidermite 1 year, 9 months ago
The deputies were negligent. Adam has damages. Physical and emotional . GET HIM OUT OF ISOLATION !
1999 1 year, 9 months ago
hey Ellifritz...yeah your bother got stabbed...he's a punk arsed thug just like you!
nice job on being the big brother.
you and your mom must be sooo proud.
freaking idiots.
wait unitl you and your brother are in real prison ...I can't wait to hear how mouthing off and attacking people works for you there.
HAHAHAHAHA
peanutbutter 1 year, 9 months ago
Know all the facts before talking so bad about the RCSO. Huber could have easily turned and left- he saw Elli- and decided to continue into the room. He is an adult and should start taking responsibility. They are both punks and I am glad that justice has put them both in jail. RCSO stated they should have not let them in together...doesn't mean that two adult in jail have permission to be stupid. I was defending Huber when the stories came out in the paper... the more I know about his intentions and actions- he is not any better than the punks that he has delt with. Hold doors for people, say thanks be kind and enjoy this wonderful place we live in.
rhys jones 1 year, 9 months ago
Thanks pb, I'm always ready to jump to a conclusion, and know when to admit I might be wrong. Maybe everybody is where they belong, I dunno... Please note this, folks, so you can really believe what I say about other stuff.
Brian Kotowski 1 year, 9 months ago
Jail clearly hasn't been much of a wake up call for Ellifritz. Too bad. If he winds up in the custody of the Colorado Dept of Corrections, he could be in for a rude awakening. I have a cop friend in these parts, who has had to transport prisoners to DOC facilities. He says that even he - an armed cop - is always uncomfortable venturing into those snake pits.
spidermite 1 year, 9 months ago
peanutbutter, Accidents happen all the time. Unfortunally someone or something is deemed liable for these accidents. These two should not have been placed together. How have you gained such insight about Mr Huber while he has been incarcerated? Do you work at the jail?
Requires free registration
Posting comments requires a free account and verification.
Or login with:
OpenID