Gage Walker Lopez accused of being Evergreen Lutheran Church masturbator & groper

Big pic below.

Update: It would be an exaggeration to say that accused public masturbator and groper Gage Walker Lopez was caught red-handed. Instead, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, an anonymous bust led to his arrest on charges of unlawful sexual contact and second-degree burglary. Look below to see the JCSO release about the incident and a larger mug shot, followed by our previous coverage.

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office release:

Suspect in Evergreen church assault captured

Suspect apprehended through anonymous tip

Jefferson County, Co. -- On March 13, 2011 Jefferson County investigators arrested Gage Michael Lopez (dob 092484), for suspicion of the second degree burglary and unlawful sexual contact that occurred on March 7, 2011 at the Evergreen Lutheran Church at 5980 Highway 73. An anonymous tip to the Sheriff's Office led to the arrest.

It is believed that on March 7, at about 10:00 a.m. Lopez entered the church and told a female employee that he lived nearby, was walking, and needed to get warm. Lopez then went further into the church and the employee lost sight of him. At around 11:00 a.m., the employee noticed Lopez was still in the church. She returned to her work and lost sight of him once again.

At about 12:45 p.m., the employee saw Lopez for the third time as he entered her work area, masturbating. The employee yelled at him to "Get out," and confronted him. Lopez then groped the employee before running from the church.

Lopez is being held on a $5,000 bond at the Jefferson County Jail under suspicion of second degree burglary and unlawful sexual contact. His first court appearance will be on March 14, 2011.

Gage Walker Lopez.

The church.

Original item, 8:58 a.m. March 9: Did an alleged public masturbator have a thing for the Virgin Mary? No telling -- but the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is seeking a man who allegedly committed the sin of onanism in the front office of Evergreen Lutheran Church earlier this week, then groped the employee who discovered him before splitting. Here are the ugly details, courtesy of the JCSO.

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office release:

Sex assault at Evergreen church

Sheriff's Office seeks help in identifying suspect

Jefferson County, Co. -- On March 7, 2011 at about 12:45 p.m., Jefferson County deputies responded to the Evergreen Lutheran Church at 5980 Highway 73 in reference to a man masturbating in the front office. Around 10:00 a.m., the man entered the church and told a female employee that he lived nearby, was walking, and needed to get warm. The man went further into the church and the employee lost sight of him. At around 11:00 a.m., the employee noticed the man was still in the church. She returned to her work and lost sight of him once again.

At about 12:45 p.m., the employee saw the man for the third time as he entered her work area, masturbating. The employee yelled at the man to "Get out," and confronted him. The man then groped the employee before running from the church.

The suspect is described as:

• A white male believed to be in his early twenties with youthful features.

• Medium length brown hair and no facial hair.

• Stocky build, all though he was wearing many layers of clothing which may have added to his perceived size.

• Wore a braided winter hat with the tassels hanging down on both sides. The hat was gray or brown with a dark circular band above the brow.

• Waist length dark blue parka, a gray fleece sweater or jacket, and a pair of dark work pants that resembled mechanic's work pants.

Anyone who has information regarding this assault is encouraged to call the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office tipline at 303-271-5612.

More from our Colorado Crimes archive: "Richard Troupe charged with dropping trou at Burger King, asking staffer to hold his Whopper."