Hobby Lobby manager faked sex assault, police say

Woman also suspected of derogatory letters

By Bill Scanlon, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published March 19, 2008 at 12:30 a.m.

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Koehler was arrested Monday and accused of false reporting.

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The Hobby Lobby manager who police say faked a sexual assault may be the same person who wrote derogatory letters to fellow employees complaining about the loose morals of the newly promoted store manager - herself.

The manager scattered condom wrappers on the floor next to where she was tied up to lend credence to her reports that she was sexually assaulted, according to an affidavit.

Lori Koehler, 37, was arrested Monday for false reporting, four weeks after Broomfield police responding to a 911 hang-up call found her bound to shelving in the back of the Hobby Lobby at 5105 W. 120th Ave.

Police started to get suspicious when they found condom wrappers inside the SUV she'd driven to work that matched the ones in the store. Also in the SUV were zip ties similar to the one that bound her wrist to store shelving.

Police now believe that Koehler may be the same person who wrote 30 derogatory letters to Hobby Lobby executives complaining about the person who'd been promoted to store manager - one Lori Koehler. The letters complained about Koehler's loose morals.

Mysterious 911 call

The case began when Broomfield police responded to a hang-up 911 call at 7:36 a.m. Feb. 20.

Officer Ben Barreaux heard an alarm at the store and noticed that the back door was unlocked but showed no sign of forced entry, the affidavit said.

When he and another officer entered, they saw a woman lying on the floor fully clothed but with pants that were unzipped to the top of her underwear.

When he touched her right shoulder, she screamed and curled up in a fetal position, the affidavit said.

He noticed her left hand was tied to some shelving with a zip tie.

On the floor were keys, money, paper, scissors, a roll of red tape, a strip of red tape and two open and empty Trojan condom wrappers.

The woman, later identified as Koehler, resisted attempts at help but eventually was taken to St. Anthony North Hospital so she could be examined for possible sexual assault.

There, Koehler told a nurse that she had been working at Hobby Lobby alone when a man with a gun confronted her and tied up her left wrist. She said the man taped her mouth shut, and she noticed a scar on his right forearm.

Koehler said the man told her that "he warned (employees at Hobby Lobby) but they didn't believe him."

She said the man then sexually assaulted her. Nurses found an abrasion on her wrist and swelling in her groin area.

She was treated and released.

Later, when she was interviewed by police, Koehler hid her face in her hands and seldom made eye contact, the affidavit says.

Similar case in Aurora

The letters written to employees saying horrible things about Lori Koehler were another puzzle.

Police, wondering whether Koeh ler could have sent the letters blasting herself, got help from Aurora detectives, who recalled a case at the Family Dollar store in Aurora last year where Koehler worked.

In that case, letters had been mailed to various Family Dollar store employees telling negative stories about Koehler, accusing her of having sex with employees and of having loose morals generally.

When Aurora police were investigating the Family Dollar case, Koehler said a fellow employee had raped her and threatened to kill her and her family.

She said she'd received an anony mous package that had rope, lubricant and condoms inside.

A video camera at a post office captured her mailing the package to herself, according to Aurora police.

In the Hobby Lobby case, based on the evidence and Koeh ler's unwillingness to explain the inconsistencies, Broomfield police issued a warrant for Koehler's arrest on a false reporting charge.

Bail was set at $1,500.

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Comments

March 19, 2008

6:57 a.m.

Suggest removal

Francesca writes:

Hope some therapy can help her.
March 19, 2008

7:11 a.m.

Suggest removal

DahmersCookbook writes:

She has done this before, she is very lonely, what happend in her past. To try and frame people for horrible crimes (co-worker @ dollar store) is crossing A line. Crazy yotch!
March 19, 2008

7:20 a.m.

Suggest removal

Roxie writes:

Ok, so what is the motive for this women sending letters to other employees that say negative things about her? What were the results in the rape kit administered at the hospital. It says she was swollen in that region. Is she lying about being raped? Why is she swollen down there if not raped? Why would this women try to sabetoge her own career? Does she have something wrong with her that requires medicine? Is she mentally disturbed? -Roxie
March 19, 2008

7:26 a.m.

Suggest removal

hdfresh writes:

This lady is a whack job. I guess she really needed the attention mailing all those letters out complaining about her loose morals and go as far as faking a sexual assault just so she can feel better about herself that someone would actually want to touch her. Definately true management material.
March 19, 2008

7:28 a.m.

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reddog writes:

Nut job. Make her pay for the interogation process $$
March 19, 2008

8:04 a.m.

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Roxie writes:

To MarineGrunt. Buttsecks HAHAHAHAHA. Thanks for the good laugh before work. I really needed it. I like your comment. Have a good day.
March 19, 2008

8:14 a.m.

Suggest removal

Heidi writes:

Who would want to sexually assault her?
March 19, 2008

8:18 a.m.

Heidi writes:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
March 19, 2008

8:26 a.m.

Suggest removal

wow writes:

Reminds me of that movie "High Frequency", in that the main character has a split personality, and her alter ego is a guy who kills women. Maybe this chick has one who only hates her.
She's got to be sick...I doubt anyone could be that much of a drama queen if they were sane.
March 19, 2008

8:33 a.m.

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Heidi writes:

GWM, do you think she made herself squeal like a pig?
March 19, 2008

8:48 a.m.

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Heidi writes:

Yes, zogh8er! So if a woman is taking it from a man, she is gay?
March 19, 2008

8:49 a.m.

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Heidi writes:

Too much time in the bunkers, MarineGrunt?
March 19, 2008

8:53 a.m.

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Heidi writes:

hmmm, so she owes him that priviledge?
March 19, 2008

9 a.m.

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Heidi writes:

MarineGrunt, most of my friends were in uniforms themselves. You liked taking control of those flyboys?
March 19, 2008

9:05 a.m.

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nativegirl writes:

She obviously has mental issues. Hope she can get some help.
March 19, 2008

9:11 a.m.

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Heidi writes:

whoa, did I start this?
March 19, 2008

9:15 a.m.

Suggest removal

Heidi writes:

Ok, MarineGrunt and Zogh8er, why don't you two just get together and work it out? I think you both will feel better to let go of your frustrations.
March 19, 2008

9:19 a.m.

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Heidi writes:

I was trying to reserve a little dignity.
March 19, 2008

9:25 a.m.

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Heidi writes:

I knew it, all that time in the bunkers did do you in. Weren't you supposed to be concentrating on giving it to the enemy?
March 19, 2008

9:26 a.m.

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Heidi writes:

MarineGrunt, I suppose you're a respectable guy in real life.
March 19, 2008

9:27 a.m.

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Spencer writes:

Here we go loopty loo
March 19, 2008

9:30 a.m.

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Heidi writes:

Because I was wearing the same clothes you were? I am sure my underclothes were much different. At least I am assuming so.
March 19, 2008

9:30 a.m.

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Aurorabusa writes:

I swear this is my Ex.....ha ha ha.Crazy enough to be her
March 19, 2008

9:38 a.m.

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Heidi writes:

I'm sorry to hear that MarineGrunt. But I am sure you enjoyed what you were doing. Thanks for taking care of us.

Sorry, GWM, you should have been here earlier to stop it.
March 19, 2008

9:39 a.m.

Suggest removal

Heidi writes:

Now you be careful, GWM! You couldn't resist, huh?
March 19, 2008

9:54 a.m.

Suggest removal

Heidi writes:

I step away for a few minutes and you already have a date planned. I think we should meet at the Hobby Lobby. I hear there's a lot of action there.
March 19, 2008

10:04 a.m.

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Heidi writes:

GWM, let's go to the VI without those two. They need some privacy. Or should I say, privates?
March 19, 2008

10:07 a.m.

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Heidi writes:

Yes, I handed you the forbidden fruit and took no responsibility!
March 19, 2008

10:10 a.m.

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Heidi writes:

Obviously you are abandoning me. And it is all my fault, I admit it!
March 19, 2008

10:12 a.m.

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Heidi writes:

Let me know what you decide after you come back from your journey.
March 19, 2008

10:17 a.m.

Suggest removal

wow writes:

I step away for an hour, and look what happens...the hated one and MG are trysting, Heidi is in hiding, and GWM is moderating...What, I ask, is this blog coming to?
I'll see you all at the Hobby Lobby...Bring your own zip ties.
March 19, 2008

10:20 a.m.

Suggest removal

Heidi writes:

wow, usually GWM is the one to calm the storm. This time he failed. We needed you.
March 19, 2008

10:25 a.m.

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Heidi writes:

We will all enter the gates to Valhalla together!
March 19, 2008

10:25 a.m.

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wow writes:

Sorry I let you down but I was in the bathroom, studying philosophy. I would have learned more if I'd been present.
Like the hated one's mom has a prickly moustache.
March 19, 2008

10:26 a.m.

Suggest removal

Spider writes:

Sounds like a few of the posters should be put in the same slammer as Lori girl!
March 19, 2008

10:27 a.m.

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wow writes:

Thread Jack!!! Bawahahaha!! Dd MG just coin a phrase? Brilliant.
March 19, 2008

10:28 a.m.

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wow writes:

GWM--They have candy...can you imagine those two all jacked up on sugar?? I'll bring the video camera.
March 19, 2008

10:28 a.m.

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Heidi writes:

Lori was our mentor.
March 19, 2008

10:30 a.m.

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wow writes:

We could have done worse than a schizophrenic mentor...We coulda had a rabid preacher instead.
OOOPS...that's the other thread.
March 19, 2008

10:32 a.m.

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Heidi writes:

Really? I had the two confused.
March 19, 2008

10:34 a.m.

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wow writes:

This one isn't as long....yet. Other than that difference though, the two are nearly indistinguishable.
March 19, 2008

10:34 a.m.

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Heidi writes:

At least Lori is smart enough to use protection.
March 19, 2008

10:35 a.m.

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wow writes:

Hated one--
When one rapes oneself, one is rarely exposed to government planted STD's...Unless one's alter ego is a CIA agent that is.
March 19, 2008

10:38 a.m.

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wow writes:

MG---
Aluminum foil?? Oh yeah, hat making supplies, check.
March 19, 2008

10:39 a.m.

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wow writes:

GWM...For shame.
Bawahahahaha!
March 19, 2008

10:45 a.m.

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Heidi writes:

zog, where does Rolo have a role in all of this? He has been freed, you know.
March 19, 2008

10:46 a.m.

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wow writes:

I am Zohg, and I also just happen to be one of those "Alien Overlords" you like to talk so flippantly about. I resent, very much, your opinion that the Jews have the least thing to do with the take over.
The rest is true though.
And, making the hat is even sillier than making the condom out of Aluminum Foil. Everybody knows that only Plastic Wrap keeps out sperm and mind rays. You just wrap it tightly over the facial area, see??
March 19, 2008

10:47 a.m.

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wow writes:

Spelled my name wrong. Zog is not a good typist.
March 19, 2008

10:51 a.m.

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wow writes:

MG--
I've been dying for an opportunity to use "flippantly" in a sentence. Sad huh?
March 19, 2008

10:53 a.m.

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wow writes:

Ah...It always devolves into animal sacrifice at this point.
You guys are soooo predictable.
Next, naked bonfire jumping.
March 19, 2008

10:55 a.m.

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wow writes:

That was probably the last one Grunt. Glad you were here to witness my last shining millisecond of brilliance.
March 19, 2008

11:01 a.m.

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wow writes:

Little known fact about the mayor. He is actually Lori's alter ego, the woman hating self rapist. All those nasty letters have an Evergreen postmark.
Coincidence...I think not.
March 19, 2008

11:08 a.m.

Suggest removal

wow writes:

Zog is hungry and must feed.
By the time I get back, this thread will probably be gone, or your heads will have exploded, so I shall remember you fondly. I love you all...but not you Hated One...You are the focus of my eternal displeasure. May MG eat you, with bar-b-que sauce and my blessing.
Bawahahaha.
March 19, 2008

11:24 a.m.

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fiesty writes:

Dang, I'm out sick for one day, and look what I miss!
March 19, 2008

11:30 a.m.

Suggest removal

MeAgainstMachine writes:

^
^
^
you guys are futnuckin' weird...I do see the relationship between aliens and buttsecks though. I guess don't ask/don't tell isn't part of the user agreement.
March 19, 2008

11:32 a.m.

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wow writes:

And Rolo was his name-o.
March 19, 2008

11:35 a.m.

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wow writes:

LOL MAM!! OMG...see, you fit perfectly. Wish we'd have saved you some bar-b-que.
March 19, 2008

11:37 a.m.

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Heidi writes:

How cute, wow! Sorry I have been absent. The man was calling. And so he calls again. This has been fun. And I love zogh8er's wild imagination. Yours too, wow. You can sum up all of the world's problems in one sentence!
March 19, 2008

11:41 a.m.

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Heidi writes:

We will have to be sure to include MAM on our next futnuckin weird session.
March 19, 2008

11:42 a.m.

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wow writes:

Brevity is a gift, and imagination is a curse. Go figure...I'm well rounded.
Good luck with the man Heidi.
March 19, 2008

11:45 a.m.

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Heidi writes:

We were never bad, zogh8er. And I can handle the man, wow!
March 19, 2008

11:49 a.m.

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MaxInEnglewood writes:

Ok, so since she made everything up, im guessing she punched herself in the groin and thats why it was swollen. LOL, this story is hilarious.
March 19, 2008

11:49 a.m.

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wow writes:

"That's Mexican Indian you son of a bi#*@." Jose Chavez E. Chavez Young Guns
March 19, 2008

11:53 a.m.

Suggest removal

wow writes:

I have theories about how else Lori could have caused swelling in that region, but I am far too ladylike to express them in this crude company.
The thread would never end.
March 19, 2008

2:10 p.m.

Suggest removal

Heidi writes:

Since we abandoned him, I guess he does.
March 19, 2008

2:11 p.m.

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wow writes:

No GWM....That would be me. Afterall, I am twice the woman that the hated one is.
March 19, 2008

2:25 p.m.

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Heidi writes:

GWM is secretly in love with Dahmer. I knew it from the very beginning. He looks for him in all strings.
March 19, 2008

2:36 p.m.

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Heidi writes:

Haha, she probably had to!
March 19, 2008

4:15 p.m.

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wow writes:

GWM..As I told you once before, you simply need to admit that I am your favorite godless swine of a whoremonger. Just say it and all will be forgiven. ;)
Bawahahaha!
March 19, 2008

4:53 p.m.

Suggest removal

wow writes:

Aww, thats so sweet, I think. I think you should know, that because you are my very favorite bible thumper, (and I mean that), I am grateful to you for any good word you can put in for me. Just in case. ;)
I pray to all the gods that ever were...Like to keep my bases covered, and don't want to be seen as exclusionary.
Not like zogh8me. He only prays to Zog, and Zog hates him. What a nut job.
March 19, 2008

5:17 p.m.

Suggest removal

Heidi writes:

wow, the one God that GWM prays to will not accept the fact that you pray to many. So you should make a choice.
March 19, 2008

8:59 p.m.

Suggest removal

Roxie writes:

geez you all scared marinegrunt off. what a shame. he was my favorite. (sniff)
March 19, 2008

9:03 p.m.

Suggest removal

Roxie writes:

is anyone here? I feel so alone like Lori did. Maybe I should
fake my own sex assualt to. Wait a minute.....I don't have any
condoms!
March 20, 2008

7:25 a.m.

Suggest removal

Heidi writes:

No, don't do it, Roxie! I'm sure MarineGrunt would be happy to oblige.
March 20, 2008

8:15 a.m.

Suggest removal

Roxie writes:

Your probably right Heidi. Question is.......is he any good? hahahahaha.
March 20, 2008

8:21 a.m.

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Heidi writes:

Roxie, All my flyboy friends thought he was too eager and quick. Plus too smelly with all that dirt and blood on him.
March 20, 2008

8:21 a.m.

Suggest removal

Roxie writes:

Ya it does and your right. It's as good thing Im
celebate. I cant even type right when
im egetting osomsme oso its a oodgood thinthng
i ama innnnncinocnt
March 20, 2008

8:23 a.m.

Suggest removal

Roxie writes:

flyboys, dirt, blood. man that just doesnt sound right! Maybe
hes not in the service for a reason....or is he? Those tough
men can smell a queer a mile long.
March 20, 2008

8:27 a.m.

Suggest removal

Roxie writes:

HAHAHAHAHA Zogh. Your a riot!
March 20, 2008

8:32 a.m.

Suggest removal

Roxie writes:

Your having all this fun without us. Your right
about the internet having plenty of venues for
self gratification. Keep going......I'm almost
there!!! haha
March 20, 2008

8:37 a.m.

Suggest removal

Heidi writes:

I'm bowing out of this one.....you're gonna get me into trouble, hated one.
March 20, 2008

8:42 a.m.

Suggest removal

Roxie writes:

I bet when you men read this story
you guys woke up saying: Thank God
shes not 'MY' wife!
March 20, 2008

8:47 a.m.

Suggest removal

Roxie writes:

I think I'm gonna go to hobby lobby today.
I'm feeling rambuncious. Maybe I could
crate a T Shirt that says: Free Lori-
She didn't mean to do herself in public!
March 20, 2008

8:50 a.m.

Suggest removal

Roxie writes:

or maybe i'll just go to Home Depot!
Anyone got some super glue?
March 20, 2008

8:58 a.m.

Suggest removal

Roxie writes:

HAHAHAHA your so funny Zog. I think you
need to quit your day job. Stand up comedy is
calling you! hahahaha
March 20, 2008

12:13 p.m.

Suggest removal

wow writes:

Oh hi GWM! How goes the eternal struggle. Did you bring zip ties and a potty bag?
March 20, 2008

12:19 p.m.

Suggest removal

wow writes:

Yeah rip, there's a whole list of stuff needed to venture out anywhere now, especially Hobby Lobby. Zip ties and Qwest potty bags are in the top three. Did you not get the memo?
Bawahaha.
Can't believe this crazy thread is still up. :)
March 20, 2008

12:21 p.m.

Suggest removal

wow writes:

OK, that was weird.
March 20, 2008

12:23 p.m.

Suggest removal

wow writes:

I think RMN only deletes the many incarnations of jdubb, the hated one.
March 20, 2008

12:29 p.m.

Suggest removal

wow writes:

Well, lets see. We have a rabidly athiest douchebag being direspectful to God on the parting thread for Leslie Fishbein(?), Union v/s non union throwing pee bags at one another and my personal fave, 91 year old gropy geezer kicks the bucket before he can be prosecuted for attempting to rape his nurse.
Saw zogh8sme (pedictably) on the Jewish population surge thread.
March 20, 2008

12:37 p.m.

Suggest removal

wow writes:

RMN may be slow today, but I'm rockin CNN on tv. A lady, sunbathing on a boat just got killed by a 75# stingray that jumped into her boat. Man, I guess when your number's up, that's just all there is to it.
Oh and half of Missouri seems to be under water.
Other than that, I guess its a slow day all over.
Wonder how Lori and her alter ego are making out.
Making out....holy moly, I can't even help how funny I am...
Bawahahaha.
March 20, 2008

12:38 p.m.

Suggest removal

wow writes:

I was gonna, but thought better of it after I scolded him once. It's kinda tacky to do that on that lady's thread.
March 20, 2008

12:45 p.m.

Suggest removal

wow writes:

Here you go.
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news...
March 20, 2008

12:45 p.m.

Suggest removal

wow writes:

Here you go.
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news...
March 20, 2008

12:46 p.m.

Suggest removal

wow writes:

oops. X2
March 20, 2008

12:52 p.m.

Suggest removal

wow writes:

So, I'm sitting here, feeling grateful that I don't have a rapist alter ego, glad that I rarely, if ever get fondled by creepy old men, and suddenly God starts throwing stingrays at people.
Is there a message in this?

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