Delta man gets probation for bogus kidnapping plot

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — A Delta man who authorities believe plotted to have his ex-girlfriend abducted in Grand Junction before faking her rescue will spend the next four years on probation.

Brandon Clayton Cook, 25, who had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit second-degree kidnapping, told District Judge Thomas Deister on Thursday he was “very sorry.”

“It’s time, Mr. Cook, to grow up,” Deister said.

Deister also sentenced Cook to finish 400 hours of community service.

Cook in February offered a friend $3,000 cash and a 1994 Nissan truck in return for the friend abducting Cook’s 20-year-old former girlfriend between classes at Mesa State College, according to an arrest warrant affidavit.

The friend said he was to drive her around before meeting up with Cook “to get the $3,000 and his truck” in exchange for the girl.

The plot fell through when Cook’s friend reported what he knew to Grand Junction Police on Feb. 13.

“Brandon had asked (friend) to beat him up so he would have wounds from coming to her rescue,” the affidavit said.

The two men went to Rim Rock’s Wal-Mart on Feb. 9 to buy items needed: zip ties, a black ski mask, rubber gloves and an airsoft gun.

Reach Paul Shockley at pshockley@gjfreepress.com