• 01
  • February
    2011

In the wake of a divorce, it is not uncommon to experience sadness, anxiety and even a bit of anger over what has transpired. Unfortunately, some people may have difficulty dealing with these emotions and may take things a bit too far.

Such was the case earlier this fall, when a Denver man - left embittered by a divorce from his wife - was arrested for breaking into her home and performing a host of strange and destructive actions.

According to police reports, Ronald Smith, a 57-year-old-man employed as a lobbyist at the Colorado State Capitol, is accused of breaking into his former wife's home while she was away on a trip with her boyfriend.

Specifically, authorities allege that Smith wore mountain biking cleats while inside the home to damage newly finished hardwood floors, placed rotten chicken inside all of the heating vents, and poured bleach inside of a piano and onto clothing.

The police report indicates that the former wife suspected Smith of the break-in because he had sent her several explicit and distressing text messages while she was away on her trip.

In addition, the report outlines a conversation that the wife had previously had with Smith in which he randomly asked her if she wanted any chicken that was nearing its expiration date. (A inquiry that she said caught her entirely "off-guard.")

Interestingly, police were able to verify - through consultation with biking professionals - that the damage to the hardwood floors could have been caused by someone wearing mountain biking cleats that were Smith's shoe size. Furthermore, the former wife verified that Smith did in fact own such a pair of cleats and had written her a Christmas letter in which he outlined his participation in a mountain biking race.

Finally, the police report establishes that Smith had a rather firm timeline for committing the break-in on the evening of September 27, 2010. First, his son had been dropped off at daycare and was not picked up until later that same evening. Second, he was not present for most of the evening at a fundraiser that he was supposed to be hosting for Mayor John Hickenlooper at a Rockies game. (People at the game indicated that he didn't show up until the 7th inning and then only stayed for 15-20 minutes.)

Smith is now officially facing two felony second-degree burglary charges and a charge for criminal mischief.

Stay tuned for more from our Denver family law blog ...

If you have exhausted all of your options and would like to learn more about dissolution of marriage, you should strongly consider speaking with an experienced legal professional.

This post is provided for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as legal advice. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty.

Related Resources:

Lobbyist accused of leaving spoiled chicken in ex-wife's heating vents (9 News - Denver)