Durango Man Sentenced To Nineteen Years In Federal Prison For Armed Carjacking

DURANGO – United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn announced that Roger Chase Brassard, age 27, of Durango, Colorado, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Robert E. Blackburn to serve 228 months (19 years) in federal prison for carjacking and using a firearm during a crime of violence.  Following his prison sentence, Brassard will spend 5 years on supervised release.  The defendant appeared at the sentencing hearing in custody, and was remanded at its conclusion.

According to the stipulated facts contained in the defendant’s plea agreement, on November 27, 2017, the victim was driving a truck to Fort Lewis College to pick up his younger sister when, at a stop, Brassard approached the driver side door.  He displayed a handgun and entered the vehicle.  The victim was forced to move to the passenger seat.  Brassard then drove away with the victim in the truck.

While driving, Brassard ordered the victim to lower the passenger side window.  After the victim complied with the order, Brassard fired a round from the handgun through the open window.  While driving, Brassard spent much of the time holding his firearm in his mouth.  Eventually, Brassard turned off city streets onto railroad tracks where the vehicle became stuck.  Brassard and the victim then walked down the railroad tracks, where the victim was ultimately able to escape and summon help.  The police were called and the vehicle seized.  Brassard, however, escaped capture.

Later that night, La Plata County Sheriff Deputies were dispatched to a disturbance at the Iron Horse Inn in Durango.  Upon arrival, deputies learned the suspect in the disturbance was Brassard.

The carjacking victim was shown a photo lineup and identified Brassard.

“Those responsible for violent crime must be held accountable for their actions,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn.  “The victim in this case was in grave danger, yet due to his courage he was able to escape and later identify his captor.  Thanks to our law enforcement partners, Bassard won’t be able to do this again for a very long time.”

“Today’s sentencing of Roger Brassard illustrates the FBI’s continued commitment to working closely with our state and local law enforcement partners to address violent crime,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Dean Phillips.  “This investigation was truly a collaborative effort between local and federal law enforcement, and as a result the community is safer with Brassard behind bars.  We are confident today’s sentencing sends a message to those contemplating crimes against our community members they will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

The defendant was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 5, 2018.  He pled guilty on April 8, 2019.  He was sentenced on October 8, 2019.

This case was investigated by the FBI with substantial assistance from the La Plata County Sheriff’s Office and the Durango Police Department.  The defendant was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Brown.