Aspen kidnapping suspects released from Pitkin County Jail

Two Aspen suspects of a multi-day kidnapping in July were released from the Pitkin County Jail earlier this month after meeting bond.

Suspects Nathan Keen and Vanessa Leighton bonded out after a Pitkin County judge reduced their bond amounts — Leighton’s bond was lowered from $30,000 to $25,000 in August, while Keen’s dropped from $75,000 to $45,000 this month, payable in cash or through a surety. 

The alleged assault and kidnapping occurred between July 5 and 7. During that time, Keen and Leighton allegedly forced an Aspen woman to accompany them up Independence Pass, where they threatened and assaulted her before driving her across the state against her will, according to a police affidavit.

Leighton’s bond reduction was granted due to her strong local ties, Judge Laura Makar previously stated in August. 

“Considering the defendant’s employment history and ties to Pitkin County, the court finds a bond reduction appropriate with certain conditions,” Makar said in Aug. 4 court proceedings. 

The judge also lowered Keen’s bond last week, noting he did not pose a significant community safety risk after Kathy Goudy, Keen’s representation, told the court Keen’s previous criminal history had been mischaracterized. According to Goudy, it was incorrectly stated that Keen had been previously charged for a felony as an adult, rather than as a juvenile. He was charged when he was 15, she said.

According to Pitkin County Detentions Division Chief Dan Fellin, the suspects were released on bond on separate dates.

“Nathan Keen bonded out on Oct. 3 and Leighton bonded out of Pitkin County Jail on Oct. 7,” Fellin said. “We facilitate the bonds that are set by the judge.”

Makar’s bond conditions require the suspects to wear electronic monitoring devices, undergo drug and alcohol testing, and avoid three locations frequented by the victim. Permanent protection orders have also been issued against both Keen and Leighton on behalf of the victim. 

Keen is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 22 for a permanent protection order hearing, and both defendants are due back in court on Nov. 3 for a bond appearance.