DENVER, CO — A 33-year-old man, Taylor Warford, has been convicted of felony stalking and violating a protection order after a chilling series of actions aimed at his ex-wife, Amy Goggins.
Warford’s conviction marks a significant step in addressing domestic violence and stalking, as authorities revealed the disturbing lengths he went to in an attempt to intimidate and harm his former spouse and their child.
The Escalating Threats
In 2023, Goggins made the brave decision to leave Warford after enduring years of domestic violence. She relocated to Castle Rock, Colorado, in an attempt to escape the abuse. Warford was placed on probation for his past actions, and a court order was granted, prohibiting him from contacting Goggins.
Despite this legal intervention, Warford’s behavior escalated, showing his blatant disregard for the law.
Warford took several dangerous steps to track Goggins’ movements and threatened her and their child. Prosecutors revealed that he secretly placed a GPS tracker on her vehicle. When Goggins discovered the tracker, she immediately contacted law enforcement, leading to an investigation that revealed even more concerning actions.
Alarming Purchases and Threats
Further investigation into Warford’s behavior uncovered even more disturbing actions. He had used a shared family Amazon account to purchase five sets of handcuffs and a butane torch — items that alarmed family members and prompted them to report his actions to authorities.
According to prosecutors, Warford had threatened to “wipe out” his ex-wife and their child, making his intentions clear.
Law enforcement also found that Warford had attempted to acquire materials for making bombs, escalating his threats to an extreme level. These actions clearly demonstrated that Warford was not only violating his probation but also putting his family and community at risk.
The Conviction and Impact
Warford’s conviction on felony stalking and violating a protection order sends a strong message about the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of holding offenders accountable. Senior Deputy District Attorney Nate Marsh emphasized the significance of this verdict:
“This verdict sends a message loud and clear that stalking is a crime of escalation and danger. Ms. Goggins showed incredible bravery coming forward, and this conviction ensures Warford will no longer be able to harm her.”
Warford is currently being held without bond in the Jefferson County Detention Center as he awaits his sentencing hearing, scheduled for September 12. He faces a maximum sentence of up to eight years in a state correctional facility.
The Case’s Broader Implications
District Attorney George Brauchler spoke about the flaws in the criminal justice system highlighted by this case. He pointed out the risk posed to the public when violent offenders are placed on probation and allowed back into the community:
“This case highlights a number of weaknesses in our criminal justice system, including the risk created for the public by placing violence-threatening defendants on probation and sending them back into our community.”
Brauchler further warned potential domestic abusers about the consequences of their actions:
“Finally, a word to would-be domestic violence abuser: she is over you. Move on. It is less costly than losing years of liberty.”
Taylor Warford’s conviction marks an important victory for victim safety and accountability in the face of escalating domestic violence. Goggins’ courage to report the threats and her determination to escape the abuse have played a vital role in bringing Warford to justice.
