Montrose - Daily Press

Katharhynn Heidelberg

MONTROSE - Two men accused of aggravated robbery and other charges must each post $500,000 to be freed on bond, the Montrose County Court ruled Thursday.

Anthony Herrera Sr., 35, and Ernest "Anthony" Abachiche, 19, were each charged with multiple felonies relating to an alleged armed robbery Jan. 23.

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On that date, Caleb Fellin, 20, and Gavin Bistodeau, 21, were allegedly robbed at gunpoint at their North First Street address by men who burst into the home.

According to an arrest affidavit, which also detailed contradictory statements from the purported victims, a group of males first knocked on Fellin's door, seeking a friend of his who did not live at the residence. A second knock resulted in the accusation that Fellin was lying and a call to go out and fight. Fellin locked the door, but 20 minutes later, the group allegedly returned, rushing inside when Fellin threatened to call the police.

Fellin initially claimed there were five to six armed men, three of whom covered their faces with the same type of bandanna. He told police he recognized Herrera, whose face was not covered and also said he recognized Abachiche's voice, who Fellin said was wearing a mask.

Bistodeau, rushing to Fellin's aid, was reportedly grabbed and according to Fellin, "pistol whipped." Bistodeau initially said the same, but in a second statement, said a rifle had been used.

Both men agreed Bistodeau was struck with a weapon. They also said they had been forced to lie on the floor while the intruders allegedly tore through the house, stealing electronic items and demanding to know where Fellin's drugs and "thousands of dollars" were. Fellin and Bistodeau denied having any drugs.

According to the affidavit, Abachiche allegedly said, "This is our neighborhood. We are watching you guys. Call the cops or anyone about this, you're dead."

Fellin alleged that Herrera also warned the men not to tell anyone, with the words "We have people watching you."

Bistodeau and Fellin were both injured during the incident and received medical attention.

Herrera, who was taken into custody Feb. 15 when he appeared at court on other cases, was charged with six counts of aggravated robbery. Each charge alleges different offenses under Colorado Revised Statute 18-4-302 (1) (c).

Herrera was also charged with first-degree burglary-assault/menace and first-degree burglary-armed with explosives/weapon.

All eight charges are class-3 felonies.

Herrera's other charges are for the felony-6 offenses of possession of a weapon by a previous offender and violation of bail bond conditions; felony-5 menacing-real or simulated weapon and misdemeanor theft.

Except for the allegations of bond violations and weapons possession by a previous offender, Abachiche's charges were the same Thursday.

Both men return to court on March 3. It was not known Thursday whether there were additional suspects.

Contact Katharhynn Heidelberg via e-mail at katharhynnh@montrosepress.com

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