Vendegna.

A former CMU student, Carlos Vendegna, age 20, is a defendant in a sexual assault case and there is a protection order restraining him from any contact with the alleged victim of the case. On Sept. 20, Vendegna was caught in a parked car with the victim and subsequently arrested.

While performing a routine patrol in Canyon View Park, Grand Junction Police Officer Thomas Wihera noticed a white car parked in the parking lot after hours. Wihera lit the car with his spotlight and observed the occupants of the vehicle trying to duck down and hide from view.

Wihera made contact with the car and identified one of the occupants as Vendegna. According to the arrest report, Vendegna appeared very nervous and would not provide a clear explanation for being anxious. Vendegna only told Wihera that he was previously a suspect in a sexual assault case.

While Wihera was on scene, dispatch informed him that the other occupant of the car was the alleged victim of the case against Vendegna and that there was a mandatory protection order restraining contact between Vendegna and the victim.

Wihera determined that Vendegna unlawfully violated the protection order. Vendegna was transported to Mesa County Jail and booked for the violation.