The U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado has announced the conviction and sentencing of eight individuals following a large-scale operation aimed at dismantling a drug trafficking organization in southwest Colorado.
The operation was a collaborative effort between the Montezuma/Cortez Narcotics Investigation Team, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).
Read: Venezuelan Migrant Says She’d ‘Return’ To Her Home Country After Living In Colorado
The investigation began in July 2022 after authorities received information that a significant amount of methamphetamine and fentanyl was being trafficked into Montezuma County. The operation resulted in the seizure of over a kilogram of methamphetamine, 1,000 fentanyl pills, and several firearms.
The following individuals were convicted and sentenced:
- Crystal Bass, 43, Cortez, CO: Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Sentenced to 15 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
- Douglas Brummett, 34, Cortez, CO: Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. Sentenced to 34 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
- Mary Lobato, 41, Cortez, CO: Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Sentenced to 28 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
- Infant Maciel, 29, Cortez, CO: Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Sentenced to 42 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
- Luis Martinez, 44, Cortez, CO: Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Sentenced to 80 months in prison and four years of supervised release.
- William Millard, 36, Dolores, CO: Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Sentenced to 78 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
- Cesar Ortiz-Castillo, 33, Mexico: Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Sentenced to 72 months in prison and five years of supervised release.
- Russell Wall, 36, Cortez, CO: Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Sentenced to 36 months in prison and four years of supervised release.
Read: Colorado Gov Flip-Flops On Live TV Over Harris ‘Supporting’ Southern Border Wall
“Keeping illicit drugs out of the Four Corners region is a critical part of our public safety efforts there,” said Acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Matt Kirsch. “We thank our local, tribal, and federal partners for helping make this complex operation possible and keeping the citizens of Montezuma County safer.”
“This investigation represents the Drug Enforcement Administration’s steadfast commitment to the rural communities of Colorado. There is no safe space for drug trafficking organizations to operate, and as demonstrated by a multi-agency effort, the DEA and its partners will identify, investigate, and prosecute those persons who seek to destroy our communities only to enrich themselves,” said DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Pullen.
DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Pullen added, “There is no safe space for drug trafficking organizations, and we will continue to identify and prosecute those who seek to destroy our communities.”
“The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Division of Drug Enforcement is committed to combating illegal drug usage, possession, and distribution throughout Indian Country. This long-term investigation displays the results achieved through cooperation with the other Tribal, Local, and Federal agencies,” said Acting/Deputy Associate Director Tom Atkinson. “BIA is devoted to continuing to protect our native communities and is thankful for the partnerships with the DEA, Montezuma Cortez Narcotics Investigation Team, BIA-Ute Mountain Ute Agency, and Ute Mountain Casino Security.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys R. Josh Player and Jeffrey K. Graves under the oversight of Judge Gordon P. Gallagher.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.