(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — The El Paso County Sheriff’s Department (EPSO) confirmed that a woman has been arrested on multiple counts of Identity Theft during their partnered cleanup of a homeless encampment.
Earlier in September, EPSO teamed up with Keep Colorado Springs Beautiful to restore an open space from 2025 B Street to 2145 B Street in unincorporated El Paso County after the area had been damaged by several homeless encampments. According to EPSO, notices had been posted around the camps weeks in advance, advising people to vacate and providing information for those experiencing homelessness.
During the cleanup process, deputies were made aware that one of the women contacted at the site provided false identification to law enforcement and appeared in court using a family member’s identity. This prompted an arrest warrant for 49-year-old Stephanie Bleam for three counts of Identity Theft and additional felony charges.
Deputies found and arrested Bleam at the encampment on Sept. 10. She is currently being held at the El Paso County Jail on three warrants under a $6,700 bond.
“Public safety and dignity can move in step. We will not tolerate criminal activity that undermines the safety of our neighborhoods or violates the rights of property owners. While our team provided notice and resources to those in need, we also ensured accountability for individuals who chose to commit crimes. I am grateful to Keep Colorado Springs Beautiful, the District Attorney’s Office, our Reserve Unit, and the Sheriff’s Posse for their professional and measured response. My Office will continue to protect property rights, safeguard our communities, and hold offenders accountable under the law.”
– El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal
