An Adams County District Court judge sentenced a 30-year-old man to eight years in prison Thursday after he was convicted of attempting to kidnap a 10-year-old girl outside of her school.
Judge Stephen Howard sentenced Diego James Gettler on after the man pleaded guilty to second-degree kidnapping on Jan. 9, according to a news release from the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. He was given credit for 885 days of time served.
The incident occurred outside of STEM Launch K-8 located at 9450 Pecos Street in Thornton around 7:30 a.m. Sept. 23, 2022. The child was dropped off at the school by her mother. The child walked to a waiting area outside of the school when Gettler approached her while wearing all black and a mask, according to arrest records.
Surveillance video showed Gettler grab the girl in an attempted abduction. He put his hands over her mouth and she fought back and pulled down his mask. Startled, Gettler fled the scene. The victim ran to the school doors for help, and staff quickly responded, according to the release…