CONEJOS COUNTY — Kyle Cornett Pauley, 32, of Sanford, was sentenced to 14 years in prison Friday in connection of crimes committed in January.

He was arrested on Wednesday, Jan. 31, as a result of an investigation led by the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office into an armed robbery that occurred Tuesday, Jan. 30 around 7:20 p.m. at County Line Liquor in La Jara.

On Friday, Nov. 1, he was sentenced to 14 years in prison for his offenses, including aggravated robbery F-3, 1st degree burglary F-3, Possession of weapons by previous offender F-5, menacing F-5 and theft M-2.

Pauley’s mother testified on his behalf and said he was two different persons, one at home and another out on the streets. Pauley wept during his mother’s statement. She said he was a good, dependable boy at home and she missed him there. He lied, she said, and took no responsibility for his crimes. “He is a hard-working, productive person when he isn’t under the influence of drugs,” she said, dabbing at her eyes with a tissue.

Noting that Pauley had traumatized his mother, during that time, District Judge Martin Gonzales said he had traumatized many other persons.

As per the order of the sheriff, there was a call sent out to the local citizens cautioning them to lock their doors and windows and call 911 if they observed anyone suspicious in the area.

While the sheriff’s office was conducting the investigation of an armed robbery at the liquor store, the La Jara Police Department along with other sheriff’s office patrol staff began searching the area.

While checking the area, sheriff’s patrol staff contacted a male party who appeared to match the description of the suspect that robbed the store and was identified as Pauley. 

Sobbing while speaking for himself, Pauley apologized to victims in the case, as well as the community.

“If I could take it back, I would do so in a heartbeat,” he told the judge.

He also apologized to the officers who had to react to his subsequent escape.

During the robbery investigation, Sheriff’s Deputies Nicholas Summers and Luis Sisneros obtained enough information and evidence to place Pauley into custody the day after the robbery.

Pauley didn’t deny the charges and said he had a long way to go.

He apologized for wasting county resources and took full responsibility for his actions. He thanked the court for their time and considerations.

Judge Gonzales said, “We only have so much time on this earth — only so much time to do the right thing.”

“Would you like to see your dad one more time and talk to him? Would you like that?”

Pauley said he would, realizing that was not possible.

The judge told him to do as much good as possible and that would make life easier in the Department of Corrections.

He didn’t deny his crimes. Pauley and another inmate escaped at approximately 4:30 a.m. March 2, 2018 when they utilized a flaw in the building’s ventilation system. Steps have since been taken to fortify the ventilation system to prevent further escapes.

Security systems have been updated to add high definition camera systems and additional camera views.

While at Pauley’s residence, deputies spoke with his girlfriend who also resided there. When asked if law enforcement could search the home, the woman said she would rather law enforcement not search or check it.

Later, after obtaining a search warrant for the residence, the sheriff’s office was able to collect evidence that suggested Pauley was involved in the robbery at the store in La Jara.

Pauley was arrested Tuesday, March 6, following a tip from a community member who saw a suspicious person walking through Sanford at approximately 7:38 a.m.

The individual fit Pauley’s description, so a Colorado State Patrol officer responded and identified the person as Pauley, who ran and attempted to conceal himself in an irrigation ditch as the trooper gave chase.

La Jara Police Chief Jerry Lujan and additional CSP troopers responded and Pauley was taken into custody at approximately 8:07 a.m. without force or injury.

Pauley apologized to them.

During the investigation of Pauley’s crimes, the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office was able to provide other law enforcement agencies throughout the San Luis Valley with information to assist them with crimes that were committed within their respective jurisdictions, city limits of Del Norte, bank robbery, four robberies within city limits of Alamosa and one burglary within the city limits of Monte Vista, possibly connecting him with them.