Teen inmate admits to guard attack, escape at Denver-area youth detention facility

An inmate at a juvenile corrections center in Golden who was accused of severely beating a 65-year-old employee in an attack and escape from the facility last summer pleaded guilty Monday to four counts in the case.

Zachary Oliver, 18, admitted to first-degree assault, aggravated robbery, aiding escape and escape in the August altercation at the Lookout Mountain Youth Services Center. Oliver, who was 17 at the time of the incident, had been charged as an adult.

Prosecutors say Oliver escaped from his cell and attacked the employee, Doug Williams, with a pillow case containing fist-sized rocks. Once Williams was unconscious, authorities say Oliver took his keys and let the three other teen inmates out of their rooms.

Two other juveniles were charged. One has been sentenced and the other’s case is pending.

The fourth teen, Antoin Griego, 18, was charged as an adult and pleaded guilty in January to four counts.

The four teens were captured in an overnight manhunt.

Oliver faces eight to 64 years in prison.

Jesse Paul: 303-954-1733, jpaul@denverpost.com or twitter.com/JesseAPaul