A 33-year-old Colorado man will be sentenced to prison for surreptitiously tracking his ex-wife and threatening to kill her and their child while on probation for domestic violence.
Taylor Warford, of Denver, was convicted on Wednesday of felony stalking and violating a protection order in connection with the disturbing series of actions directed at victim Amy Goggins, authorities said.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Nate Marsh of the 23rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office called the verdict a significant victory for survivor safety.
“This verdict sends a message loud and clear that stalking is a crime of escalation and danger,” Marsh told the court. “Ms. Goggins showed incredible bravery coming forward, and this conviction ensures Warford will no longer be able to harm her.”
According to a news release from the district attorney’s office, Warford’s wife abandoned him in 2023 due to domestic violence charges and relocated to Castle Rock, Colorado, to “escape the abuse.” The victim also obtained a court order prohibiting Warford from contacting her.
According to prosecutors, Warford’s “behavior escalated,” including the installation of an electronic tracker on her vehicle. When the victim discovered the GPS tracker hidden in her car, she contacted authorities, who quickly discovered that Warford purchased it while he was still on active probation.
Warford also took other alarming actions that indicated he posed a threat to his ex-wife.
“Warford’s family members also contacted authorities after he purchased five sets of handcuffs and a butane torch using a shared family Amazon account,” according to the news release. “He reportedly told them that he intended to ‘wipe out’ his ex-wife and child. In addition, authorities are looking into reports that Warford attempted to obtain bomb-making materials.”
Warford is currently being held in the Jefferson County Detention Center without bond as he awaits his sentencing hearing, which is scheduled for September 12. He faces a maximum sentence of eight years in a state correctional facility.
“This case highlights a number of weaknesses in our criminal justice system, including the risk created for the public by placing violent defendants on probation and returning them to our community,” District Attorney George Brauchler said in a statement following the conviction.
“Jefferson County probation provided no protection for a Douglas County resident. The jury saw past the phony mental health defense he was allowed to use on the jury at trial. Finally, a word to potential domestic violence abusers: she is over you. Move on. It is less expensive than sacrificing years of freedom.”
