Ringleader of Large-Scale DIA Motor Vehicle Theft Operation Convicted, Sentenced in Adams County

Brighton, CO – Today, District Attorney Brian Mason is announcing the COCCA and Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft conviction and Department of Corrections sentence for David Nava-Delgado, 25, related to his significant involvement in a large-scale motor vehicle theft operation that primarily targeted victims at Denver International Airport.  

An Adams County Grand Jury charged David Nava-Delgado and 12 others as part of a 121-count indictment that the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office (Adams/Broomfield, CO), the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority, and the CATPA Metropolitan Auto Theft Task Force announced on October 23, 2023. The 13 defendants were part of a prolific group that stole vehicles from various locations, including DIA. They used some of those vehicles to smash through the fronts of businesses and steal ATMs. The offenses occurred between February 2022 and March 2023 in Adams County and throughout the Denver Metro area.  

Nava-Delgado was one of the ringleaders of this operation and was found in a stolen vehicle containing several key programming devices and blank keys. The defendant stole a Jeep Grand Cherokee and led police on a high-speed chase along with a stolen F150 Raptor. The occupants of the F150 Raptor fled their vehicle and jumped into Nava-Delgado's stolen Jeep Grand Cherokee. Two handguns, various blank keys, and key fobs were found inside the Raptor. Nava-Delgado was also identified as the driver of a stolen Dodge Charger that was used as a getaway car in the course of a burglary. He was also connected as the driver of a stolen Ford F150 involved in an accident in Thornton. Nava-Delgado fled that scene, but his DNA was found on the airbag, and law enforcement located several vehicle keys and key fobs.  

On Monday, October 14, 2024, in Adams County District Court, Nava-Delgado pleaded guilty to COCCA and two counts of Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft (F4). The defendant was sentenced to 20 years in the Department of Corrections to run concurrently with his COCCA conviction in Larimer County which the Attorney General’s Office handled.  

“This defendant was a principal player in a massive scheme to steal cars from Denver International Airport and now he’s going to prison,” said District Attorney Brian Mason. “When Colorado saw a massive increase in motor vehicle thefts, we set out to curb the spike – and we’ve succeeded. I’m proud of the work of my team and law enforcement who not only indicted 13 individuals for terrorizing innocent passengers at DIA but prosecuted and convicted those same defendants who have caused so much pain throughout our jurisdiction.” 

“The severity of the sentence given to David Nava-Delgado demonstrates the magnitude of the harm he and his associates caused the greater Denver community, said Commander John Pickard, Colorado Metropolitan Auto Theft Task Force (C-MATT). “Hopefully, this will send a message to those involved in this type of criminal activity that their crimes will be taken seriously, and they will be held accountable for their actions.” 

“The Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority is proud to support projects and initiatives that make Colorado safer,” said the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority. “The sentence given to David Nava-Delgado reflects the immense harm he caused through his prolific criminal activities. We hope this shows as a clear statement that crime in Colorado will not be left ignored or unpunished" 

Motor vehicle thefts continue to drop significantly. According to data from the Colorado Metropolitan Auto Theft Task Force, or C-MATT, there has been a 28% reduction in motor vehicle thefts statewide from 2023 to 2024. There has also been a 30% decrease in the Denver Metro area year over year as well as a 55% decrease at Denver International Airport.  

Chief Deputy District Attorney Kenneth Boyd and Senior Deputy District Attorney Dan Rosenberg led the prosecution of this case.  

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