Suspect In Boulder Charity Ruse Case Arrested

BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4) - Boulder police on Friday arrested a man accused of attempted sexual assault after he forced his way into a woman's home under the guise of collecting for a charity.

Derick Robert Tappe, 26, was taken into custody in Evans.

The assault occurred in the 1800 block of 22nd Street at approximately 6:25 p.m. on Wednesday.

Police said the victim willingly opened the door to the suspect because he said he was raising money for charity. The man worked his way into her home and then groped her.

"She headed back to a bedroom to get some cash or a check and he followed her back into her bedroom and that is when he attacked her," Boulder police spokeswoman Kim Kobel said. "She was able to fight him. She kicked him."

Tappe, who has a criminal record in other states, was transported to Boulder County, where he tentatively faces burglary and attempted sexual assault charges.

Police said Tappe worked for Encore Inc. He was going door to door, claiming to solicit for a charity and trying to sell magazines for the company.

CBS4 reached Encore Inc.'s owner, who said Tappe has never worked for the company and that the company currently has no employees.

Encore Inc. is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau but it does have an A-minus rating. Still, there was a specific complaint about Tappe lodged with the BBB. One said he was pushy, flirtatious and had previously talked his way into an apartment.

The complainant said Tappe said he was "fundraising for a charity that would send magazines to children's hospitals" and that the "fundraiser was backed by the university."

That person called the university, found there was no affiliation with Encore Inc. and canceled the subscription.

Police say Tappe visited several homes in the Boulder neighborhood where the assault occurred, and police say there could be more victims.