Aspen bomber was booked into Rio Blanco County jail in 1996

James Blanning, who terrorized Aspen with bomb threats on New Year’s Eve, was booked into the Rio Blanco County jail in July 1996. “It is my understanding he was charged with several white-collar crimes, including racketeering, and received a 16-year prison sentence,” said RBC Undersheriff Mike Joos. Blanning’s trial was held in Meeker. “We’ve had several cases that have been transferred from Aspen for publicity reasons, because that’s in our judicial district,” said Solveig Olson of the district court office here. The 72-year-old Blanning was found dead alone in his vehicle on New Year’s Day.
Courtesy photo