Suspect in multiple sex crimes in Jefferson County parks “compelled” to commit lewd acts

A man suspected of indecent exposure and other sex crimes on trails in Jefferson County foothill parks told investigators that he felt “compelled” to commit the crimes, according to an arrest affidavit.

Glenn Thompson Braden, 20, of Evergreen, faces multiple charges including five counts of indecent exposure and three counts of unlawful sexual contact, all first-degree misdemeanors, according to the affidavit.

Braden, was arrested Tuesday night by sheriff’s deputies following incidents near the Beaver Brook Trail at Stapleton Park where he is suspected of exposing himself and chasing women who were hiking alone. He’s a suspect in ten recent incidents in Jefferson County parks, according to the affidavit, including at Flying J Ranch Park, Alderfer/Three Sisters Park, and Genesee Mountain Park.

After his arrest, Braden told investigators that he “didn’t remember much of what happened during these episodes because he would get very high on marijuana before hiking.”

Several victims, lone hikers, described a man, sometimes naked, on park trails who smacked them on the buttocks. One woman said she was attacked, that the man attempted to tear her shirt and her shorts off. She called out for help and as two people on mountain bikes rode up the assailant fled into the woods.

Braden admitted to most allegations, including hiking naked, fondling himself, and grabbing victims’ buttocks. He told investigators he “never tried to remove the clothing” of a victim.

He allegedly solicited victim’s to engage in sex, according to the affidavit, telling one: “I’ll pay.”

The victims reacted to the incidents in “disgust” Braden told investigators, according to the indictment.

“He felt compelled to commit these sexual acts in the presence of women,” the affidavit said. “He said he could not help his compulsion.”

Braden, who does not have a prior criminal record, is scheduled for an arraignment hearing on Sept. 26.