In just over two weeks since the agency went live, Colorado’s new 23rd Judicial District saw its first conviction in a felony jury trial.

A jury found Bruno Gutierrez-Zorilla guilty of aggravated robbery, conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery, theft and violating the Colorado Organized Crime Act on Wednesday, according to a news release from the 23rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

Gutierrez-Zorilla, an immigrant living unlawfully in Arapahoe County, was convicted for his involvement in a series of retail thefts across the Denver metro area in December 2023.  

“I will continue to provide the same warnings to criminals: if you come down here to victimize us, if you come down here to steal from us, your expectation should be incarceration,” District Attorney George Brauchler said in the release. 

The verdict comes two weeks after Colorado’s first new judicial district in 62 years opened its doors on Jan. 14. 

The 18th Judicial District split to form the new district with Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties going to the 23rd district and Arapahoe County remaining in the 18th Judicial District. 

On his first day in the 23rd Judicial District, District Attorney George Brauchler said his team has prepared to hit the ground running on catching and holding criminals accountable early and often.

“Today marks a significant milestone for justice in Douglas County,” Commissioner Abe Laydon said in the release on behalf of the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners. “This first felony verdict under our newly established judicial district sends a clear message: law and order will be upheld in our community. We created this district to ensure swift, fair, and decisive action against crime, and this case proves that commitment to action.”

Gutierrez-Zorilla is scheduled to be sentenced on April 25 and faces a maximum of 24 years in jail.

The Denver Gazette reporter Noah Festenstein contributed to this report.