A Mesa County Sheriff’s Office investigator has been placed on leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation tied to how sensitive law enforcement information may have been shared—and potentially misused—involving immigration enforcement.

The employee, Investigator Alexander Zwinck, is at the center of the probe that has now expanded to include questions about the use of encrypted messaging apps, inter-agency communication, and the role local deputies may have played in a controversial case.

Focus Shifts to Communications in Goncalves Case

The investigation stems from the Caroline Dias Goncalves case, though officials have not provided full public details about her situation or the precise events that triggered the scrutiny.

However, what’s clear is this: an internal review found that information obtained during a stop—relating to drug interdiction efforts—had been shared using Signal, an encrypted messaging platform favored by law enforcement and activist groups alike.

Now, the MCSO is trying to determine whether that information, originally meant to support drug enforcement operations, was used instead for immigration enforcement purposes.

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That crossover—if proven—would raise major legal and ethical red flags.

Official Statement Signals Serious Concerns

In a statement issued Friday morning, the Sheriff’s Office confirmed the leave and announced the scope of its administrative investigation.

“We are working to understand if and when Mesa County Sheriff’s Office employees were made aware that the information shared for drug interdiction efforts was being utilized for immigration enforcement,” the agency said.

The fact that this investigation has moved beyond Zwinck and now includes interagency communications suggests potential systemic failures—not just individual misconduct.

While no criminal charges have been filed, repercussions could still follow depending on what the internal review uncovers.

Immigration Enforcement vs. Local Policing—Lines May Have Blurred

The potential misuse of communication between agencies isn’t a small issue in Mesa County—or anywhere in Colorado.

Local law enforcement is typically discouraged from working directly with federal immigration officials unless specific legal thresholds are met. Colorado state law limits cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), particularly regarding holding individuals for immigration purposes without a warrant.

If any MCSO personnel knowingly allowed or facilitated federal use of locally collected data for immigration actions, that could violate both internal policy and state-level constraints.

• Colorado law restricts how local officers may assist ICE
• Use of shared data for immigration actions may be prohibited
• Violations could result in disciplinary action or lawsuits

That’s why this case is being watched closely by both legal observers and immigrant rights advocates.

Sheriff’s Office Opens Channel for Public Input

In a move to encourage transparency—or perhaps to cool public anger—the Sheriff’s Office has opened a dedicated phone line where community members can share their concerns.

That number is: 970-244-3533

The decision to open this line suggests officials are aware the issue could damage public trust, especially among immigrant and minority communities who may already feel uneasy about local policing.

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It’s also a sign that the office is attempting to do damage control before any further fallout.

Still No Word on Investigation Timeline or Broader Involvement

Right now, the situation remains fluid.

Zwinck has not made any public statements, and no timeline has been given for the completion of the internal review. It’s also unknown whether other members of the sheriff’s department are under investigation—or could be soon.

The Sheriff’s Office has confirmed only that the matter is “active and ongoing,” and that more details will be shared when appropriate.

Until then, the community is left with more questions than answers—and a growing sense that something bigger might be bubbling beneath the surface.