Latest news with #ColoradoOrganizedCrimeControlAct
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Yahoo
Man arrested in Colorado bust brother of target in nation's ‘largest fentanyl bust': CBI
DENVER (KDVR) — Federal, state and local officials in Colorado arrested four men and seized 800,000 fentanyl pills that were part of a 'massive fentanyl distribution network,' the Colorado Bureau of Investigation announced Wednesday. The main target of the Colorado operation, according to CBI, was Rafael Salazar-Amaya, who now faces 44 counts which include violations of the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act, conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, distribution of a controlled substance and special offender charges. A CBI spokesperson confirmed to FOX31 Rafael Salazar-Amaya is the brother of Heriberto Salazar Amaya, who U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi says was arrested in Oregon as part of the 'largest fentanyl bust in our nation's history.' AG Bondi announces 'largest fentanyl bust in our nation's history' spanning 5 states The Colorado investigation also revealed the drug trafficking organization involved is connected to the Sinaloa cartel, which was targeted in the operation Bondi touted that also spanned multiple states. Colorado's investigation ran parallel to that investigation, the CBI spokesperson said, which Bondi said at a press conference Tuesday took place in New Mexico. 'This was a meticulous operation that required interagency cooperation to take down a massive operation,' said Dan Volz, Deputy Director of Investigations for the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. 'Every pill taken off the streets is one less potential overdose death.' The Colorado investigation, which CBI says spanned New Mexico, Utah and Arizona, concluded on April 28 after Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration and North Metro Drug Task Force agents executed search warrants at two Denver metro homes, arresting the four men and finding the fentanyl pills along with fentanyl powder, meth, heroin and approximately $60,000 in cash. Drugs Confiscated During Search Warrant Execution. Credit: CBI Drugs Confiscated During Search Warrant Execution. Credit: CBI Drugs Confiscated During Search Warrant Execution. Credit: CBI Drugs Confiscated During Search Warrant Execution. Credit: CBI Three other people were arrested: Fernando Noriega-Alvarado, 52, who faces 13 counts including COCCA, conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, distribution of a controlled substance, and special offender charges. Celedonio Pulido-Romero, 31, who faces 23 counts including COCCA, conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, distribution of a controlled substance, and special offender charges. An unnamed male, 24, who faces 7 counts including COCCA, conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, and distribution of a controlled substance. 'The successful dismantlement of the Salazar-Amaya organization by CBI, DEA, and North Metro Task Force is a testament to what can be accomplished through inter-agency collaboration,' said Jonathan Pullen, Special Agent in Charge for the DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division. 'The investigation netted the seizure of over half a million fentanyl pills here in the Denver-Metro Area, directly impacting our community through the saving of lives. Colorado is undoubtedly safer as a result.' CBI said Salazar-Amaya was in the U.S. illegally, as well as three other undocumented people. Colorado man connected to Mexican cartel sentenced for 'high-volume' drug trafficking: DA The investigation began in Cañon City in October 2024, where CBI and the DEA identified the initial targets, leading investigators to more targets in Denver, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Mexico. 'We got the bad guys and took the poison off our streets,' Colorado Governor Jared Polis said in a press release. 'I thank the CBI and the agents who worked to get these dangerous drugs out of Colorado's communities. We want to make Colorado safer for everyone and this is a step in the right direction. It's collaborative efforts like this that make Colorado safer.' All four suspects arrested are currently being held at the Adams County Detention Center and face prosecution by the 17th Judicial District Attorney's Office. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
CBS News
28-04-2025
- CBS News
Colorado gang members responsible for dozens of marijuana dispensary burglaries sentenced
Six leaders of a Denver gang were recently sentenced on organized crime charges connected to dozens of robberies and burglaries - mostly of metro area marijuana dispensaries - during the summer and fall of 2023. In all, members of the gang and another criminal group are blamed for five armed robberies, 40 burglaries and 12 attempted burglaries, according to the results of the multi-agency investigation. The two groups coordinated to steal more than three quarters of a million dollars in property and inventory. Still images taken from surveillance videos showing separate break-ins and burglaries at Denver area stores and marijuana dispensaries in 2023. Almost two dozen young men, all members of two separate criminal organizations working in concert to steal vehicles and then use them in burglaries, were arrested and charged. Denver District Attorney's Office The thieves used stolen vehicles to reach stores and dispensaries across the Denver metro area. As many as four break-ins were conducted in a single night. Cash was often the goal, and ATMs inside the businesses were targeted. Other times, the bandits made off with marijuana or marijuana product. Sometimes they stole both. Two photos of bags of marijuana stolen from dispensaries in 2023 shown in a Denver grand jury indictment. The photos were shared between members of two groups - one a known gang - who were later indicted on organized crime charges. Denver District Attorney's Office Investigators took surveillance videos from the various crime scenes and compared those to the recorded locations of the defendants' cell phones. The similarities placed the placed those men's phones in the area of the robberies and burglaries at the time they occurred. The defendants also weren't shy about flashing the money and drugs they stole on their social media. More than once, investigators found the suspects wearing the same clothing and shoes in many of the social posts which were worn by the burglary suspects on the surveillance videos. Photos taken from the social media accounts of several Denver area gang members which were presented to a Denver grand jury at the end of 2023. The evidence led the grand jury to issue an indictment against 23 young men for a string of robberies and burglaries earlier that year. Denver District Attorney's Office A grand jury indictment in December of that year resulted in the arrests of 23 young men. Fourteen of those arrested men have now been prosecuted; two others are still in the process. Korey Anderson was the latest to learn his fate. He received a 25-year prison sentence earlier this month on one count each of burglary, aggravated robbery, and violating the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act (COCCA). The COCCA statute is aimed at criminal organizations accused of racketeering, or taking action criminal action in pursuit of profits. "Today's sentencing," Mark Michalek, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Denver Field Office, stated in a press release, "marks a major victory for public safety, ending a months-long investigation into the Bloods street gang responsible for dozens of violent crimes. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the FBI's Violent Criminal Enterprise Task Force and the Denver District Attorney's Office, 14 gang members and associates have been taken off the streets and held accountable for more than 326 felony offenses." Six men were recently sentenced for leading dozens of robberies and burglaries in the summer and fall 2023, mostly against Denver area marijuana dispensaries.)Clockwise from upper left) Korey Anderson received 25 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections for violating the state's organized crime statute (COCCA); Genero Zuniga was sentenced to 30 years for a COCCA violation, burglary-theft of drugs and aggravated robbery; Hunter Walthall got 20 years for COCCA and auto theft; Sicari McClain, 10 years in prison for a COCCA violation; Josiah Hicks was ordered to serve 20 years in prison for COCCA violation, burglary-theft of drugs and aggravated robbery; and Markis Cordova received a 17-year prison term for COCCA, burglary-theft of drugs, and auto theft). Denver District Attorney's Office Four other members of Anderson's gang received probation or deferred sentences. One defendant from the other group, Christopher Nevarez, received a 12-year prison term on a single COCCA count. Three members of his group received deferred sentences on lesser burglary and theft felony counts. Two other men from the non-gang-affiliated group, Charees Loftin and Javier Jurado, have yet to resolve their cases. Each is charged with COCCA violations among dozens of other charges. "Let these lengthy sentences serve as a warning to anyone involved in criminal enterprises that they too could spend decades in prison for their actions," Denver Police Chief stated after Anderson's sentencing. "This case, and those of Anderson's co-defendants, demonstrates that law enforcement agencies throughout the Denver metro area are committed to working together to disrupt and disband dangerous criminal organizations," added Denver District Attorney John Walsh. His agency led the investigations with the help of Denver PD and the FBI's Violent Criminal Enterprise Task Force (V.C.E.T.F.) and spearheaded the prosecutions. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Aurora Police Department, and the Regional Anti-Violence Enforcement Network (R.A.V.E.N.) also contributed to the investigation. The Crimes 6/5/23 - Kaya Cannabis located at 12018 West Jewell Avenue, $49,332 in merchandise stolen. 6/8/23 - Kaya Cannabis hit again, approximately $10,000 in damage to the business and $45,520 in merchandise taken. 6/12/23 - Stadium Gardens, 5441 Quebec Street in Commerce City, $20,000 in damage and $40,000 in merchandise stolen. - Ascend to Ascend, 10712 West Alameda Avenue in Lakewood, unsuccessful attempt to break in. - Golden Meds, 2636 Youngfield Street in Lakewood, about $5,000 damage, $3,063 in merchandise. - Ajoya, 10590 West Colfax Avenue in Lakewood, $7,400 merchandise. 6/16/23 - Armed carjackig at E. 14th & Colorado Blvd. - Trenchtown Dispensary, 734 North Sheridan Boulevard in Denver, undetermined loss. - Colorado Best Meds, 4800 West Lamar Street in Wheat Ridge, $10,000 damage, $50,000 in cash and $42,555 in inventory taken. 6/21/23 - Armed carjacking at 6th Ave ramp to SB I-25. - Social Cannabis at 5068 North Federal Boulevard, Denver, unsuccessful attempt to break in. - Ascend Cannabis, West Alameda Avenue in Lakewood, unsuccessful attempt. - Pig N Whistle dispensary, 4801 West Colfax Avenue in Denver, $7,500 damage, $2,751 in products stolen. - Rocky Mountain Dispensary, 990 West 6th Avenue, Denver, $9,900 damage, $22,271 stolen merchandise. - Spark Dispensary at 4799 North Colorado Boulevard in Denver, unsuccessful. 6/23/23 - Stolen truck seen at Thornton gas station, pursuit on E. 88th Avenue to 100mph, truck spun out by police at 84th and I-25 ramp, footchase, two men arrested and handguns recovered. Zuniga remained in back seat, arrested, gun recovered. Bed of truck contained prybars, rubber gloves, and drawers with barcodes that matched the Rocky Mountain Dispensary. 7/1/23 - Rocky Road Remedies at 3901 East 112th Avenue in Thornton, more than $9,300 in merchandise taken, ATM stolen from the business that contained between $20,000 and $30,000 cash. 7/21/23 - armed carjacking at S. Buckley Rd and E. Iliff Ave. - Native Roots dispensary at 2645 South Santa Fe Drive in Denver, unsuccessful attempt. - Horizon Cannabis located at 6745 West Mississippi Avenue in Lakewood, break-in was interrupted by patrol officer but $2,500 damage suffered and more than $14,000 in merchandise taken. 7/23/23 - Armed carjacking in 3500 block of N. Vallejo Street in Denver. - Bgood Dispensary at 11450 Cherokee Street in Northglenn, $1,600 damage, two suspects arrested on scene, others fled. No merchandise stolen. 10/2/23 - Smokin' Rich market at 16868 East Iliff Avenue in Aurora, $5350 in damage, $950 taken from register and ATM, $11,300 in merchandise. - Havana Halal Market at 868 South Havana Street in Aurora, ATM stolen but no cash inside. 10/9/23 - Jars Dispensary at 6299 Federal Boulevard, $9,720 damage, more than $27,000 in inventory stolen, but ATM theft unsuccessful. 10/10/23 - Dragon Originals marijuana processing laboratory at 4093 North Jackson Street, $24,100 in merchandise removed. 10/20/23 - Car theft in Aurora. - General Store at 4130 East Colfax Avenue in Denver, entered store but alarm went off, unsuccessful. - Callie's Cannabis at 777 North Canosa Court in Denver, unsuccessful. - Jars Cannabis at 4305 North Brighton Boulevard in Denver, about $4500 in damage and $6600 in merchandise. 10/21/23 - Apothecary Farms at 2251 South Broadway Street in Denver, unsuccessful, $4,000 in damage caused. - Chronic Factory at 150 North Rio Grande Boulevard in Denver, unsuccessful. - Shop-N-Go at 3501 South Logan Street in Englewood, gained entry, $1,000 damage to cash register. 10/22/23 - Positive Spin Laundry at 4301 West 38th Avenue in Denver, gained entry but unsuccessful. - Denver Kush Club at 2615 Welton Street, gained entry, $2,000 damage, failed to access vault. - Sky High Smoke Shop at 64 North Broadway in Denver, $100 of product taken, $2,000 in damage. 11/12/23 - Kind Castle Organic Cannabis Superstore at 4970 Monaco Street in Commerce City, $7,800 damage, $9,000 cash and $4,200 of product stolen.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Yahoo
Final suspect sentenced to 25 years in prison for marijuana dispensary robberies, burglaries
DENVER (KDVR) — The final defendant charged in connection to a string of armed robberies, burglaries and attempted burglaries mostly involving marijuana dispensaries has been sentenced for his actions. Korey Anderson pleaded guilty to one count of burglary, one count of aggravated robbery and one count of violating the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act, and was sentenced Monday to 25 years in prison. Trial underway for suspect accused of murder in deadly Jeffco rock throwing case The Denver District Attorney's Office said that Anderson was one of 14 defendants charged in connection to five armed robberies, 40 burglaries and 12 attempted burglaries. Most of the crimes involved marijuana dispensaries, the attorney's office said, which occurred throughout the Denver metro area during the summer and fall of 2023. Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Denver Field Office Mark Michalek said the sentencing is the end to a months-long investigation into the Bloods street gang that he said is responsible for dozens of violent crimes. He said that the 14 defendants were all gang members who are now off the streets of Colorado. 'This outcome demonstrates that when meticulous investigative work is combined with the exceptional legal expertise of the Denver District Attorney's Office, we are an unstoppable force in the pursuit of justice,' Michalek said in a district attorney's office release. Anderson's sentence was the final case to be resolved, with other defendants sentenced to a range of prison terms from 10 years to 30 years. 'Korey Anderson was part of an organized criminal group that robbed marijuana dispensaries at gunpoint and conducted over three-dozen burglaries in the summer and fall of 2023,' Denver District Attorney John Walsh said on X. 'This 25 years ensures he's off the streets of Denver for decades. This case, along with the cases of Anderson's 13 co-defendants, demonstrates that law enforcement agencies throughout the Denver metro area are committed to working together to disrupt and disband dangerous criminal organizations.' Funeral home owner who left corpse in hearse for a over a year pleads guilty in Denver Denver Police Department Chief Ron Thomas said that partnerships between agencies help hold individuals 'doing harm to our communities' accountable. 'Let these lengthy sentences serve as a warning to anyone involved in criminal enterprises that they too could spend decades in prison for their actions,' Thomas said in a Denver DA's Office release. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
07-04-2025
- CBS News
Leaders of two violent Colorado gangs plead guilty to murder, organized crime
The leaders of two violent gangs are the last of two dozen people prosecuted for a frightening amount of violence committed in the Denver metro area during the COVID-19 pandemic. The two gangs were responsible for a number of car thefts, assaults, drive-by shootings, and murders. The Denver District Attorney's Office separately announced earlier this month the guilty pleas entered by 44-year-old Phillip Baca, Sr., and 22-year-old Angel "Taz" Espinoza. Baca pleaded guilty March 21 to one count of conspiracy to commit murder and one count of violating the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act. Within days, Espinoza also pleaded guilty. He accepted two counts of second-degree murder, one count of attempted murder, and one count of violating the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act. Baca's plea included an agreement with the court to be sentenced in June to 33 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections. Espinoza, likewise, already agreed to be sentenced to 95 years in May. The two men initially faced 136 and 217 criminal counts respectively. Police identified Baca as the leader of the "Few But Plenty" (FBP) street gang. FBP, between January 2020 and March 2022, committed at least 14 shootings, mostly drive-by shootings that targeted the gang's rivals in west Denver, according to investigators. "In numerous instances," the indictment against Baca and 10 other FBP members states, "innocent bystanders who had nothing to do with the inter-gang feuds were the victims of this violence." Baca allegedly encouraged and sometimes explicitly ordered the younger members of FBP - some of them his sons and nephews - to commit violent crimes. FBP was known for its members performing and posting music videos on social media platforms to earn subscriptions and 'street cred.' The group earned almost $13,000, according to the indictment. Viewership of its videos grew, as did revenue raised by that viewing, following the group's acts of violence, per police. Espinoza was the leader of the "Too Damn Smooth" (2D$) gang. From June 2019 into March 2023, 2D$ committed at least 18 shootings, according to investigators. Most of those, like FBP's, were actions against rival gang members. And, like FBP's, innocent people were caught up in the violence. The indictment counted nearly 200 people who were not gang members but who were caught in the crossfire or targeted directly after being misidentified by 2D$ shooters. 2D$ members also participated in posting music videos, perhaps a lesser degree than FBP. But 2D$ members were "prolific with their graffiti efforts," as stated in their indictment, and more violent. 2D$ was responsible for three killings. Espinoza were personally involved in one of them. Both men commanded "brutal criminal organization(s) that terrorized neighborhoods" on Denver's west side, as Denver District Attorney John Walsh stated in separate press releases. While police and investigators refused to say directly that the two gangs clashed with one another, there is at least one major incident connecting them both. A 45-year-old man, Paul Baca, Sr., was gunned down January 22, 2021, in Denver. Media reports indicate Paul Baca was shot near the intersection of West Alameda Avenue and South Raritan Street at 5:45 in the afternoon. He was driven to a hospital in the private vehicle and pronounced dead there. Phillip Baca, the leader of Few But Plenty, is the brother of that shooting victim. Another member of the FBP gang is Paul Baca's son. The Denver District Attorney's Office blamed Espinoza's 2D$ crew for the killing. Court documents show 2D$ also killed another rival gang member in 2019. The two gangs formed out of members from other gangs, according to both group's indictment. That is not uncommon. A commander for the Regional Anti-Violence Enforcement Network ( RAVEN ) Task Force told CBS Colorado that criminal gangs form easily - and don't completely break up. "Violent gangs don't simply disappear—but each successful prosecution disrupts their ability to operate. The RAVEN Task Force tracks, targets, and adapts to these evolving threats wherever and however they emerge," stated Lt. DJ Tisdale. "These cases are not just wins on paper—they have real impact. Dismantling violent criminal networks and holding those involved accountable has an immediate effect on reducing violence in the communities we serve. While the gang landscape continues to evolve, we are seeing concerning trends, including the involvement of younger individuals in violent acts. In many cases, these acts are directly or indirectly tied to gang activity, whether through affiliation, influence, or recruitment. "While gangs may attempt to rebrand or reorganize, our approach is proactive, intelligence-led, and persistent," he added. "Our members— local, state, and federal agencies—remain united in our mission to reduce violent crime and safeguard our communities." The crimes noted in the FBP indictment: The incidents listed in the 2D$ indictment and press release: The 12 2D$ members already convicted and sentenced: Agencies involved in the investigation of both gangs included the Denver Police Department, the Denver Denver DA's Organized Crime Unit and its prosecutors, investigators and victim advocates, and the Regional Anti-Violence Enforcement Network (RAVEN), a part of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Yahoo
‘Violent' Denver street gang dismantled after leader, 10 members plead guilty: DA
DENVER (KDVR) — The leader of a Denver street gang faces 33 years in prison after pleading guilty to crimes related to 'dozens of drive-by shootings' he encouraged and ordered, the Denver District Attorney's Office announced Monday. Phillip Baca Sr., the leader of the 'Few But Plenty' gang, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder and violating the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act after being indicted in 2022. Baca joins 10 other Few But Plenty gang members who were also indicted in 2022 and have all already pleaded guilty, according to the DA's office. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox Denver DA John Walsh in a press release said his office's Organized Crime Unit and members of the Regional Anti-Violence Enforcement Network worked this multi-year, multi-case investigation to take down the gang. 'Phillip Baca was the leader of a ruthless criminal organization that terrorized west Denver neighborhoods. This guilty plea and sentence – and the sentences of other Few But Plenty gang members – are powerful steps toward fighting organized crime and improving public safety for all Denver residents. I want to acknowledge the Denver DA's Organized Crime Unit and its prosecutors, investigators and victim advocates, as well as the members of the Regional Anti-Violence Enforcement Network (RAVEN). Their outstanding, collaborative work during a multi-year investigation led to the dismantling of this violent gang and the successful resolution of all 11 cases.' Denver DA John Walsh The shootings Baca ordered and encouraged targeted gang rivals in west Denver, according to the DA's office, and 'innocent bystanders who had nothing to do with the inter-gang feuds were the victims of this violence' in several instances. Previous Denver DA Beth McCann in 2022 when the 10 gang members were indicted said those members were believed to be responsible for '14 separate incidents totaling 47 victims in the Denver metropolitan area.' As the leader of the gang, Baca 'not only encouraged the young men of FBP (most of whom were his sons and nephews) to commit these violent crimes, he often expressly ordered them to do so,' according to the DA's office on Monday. Baca joined his co-defendants at least once as they shot the home of a rival gang member more than 20 times. Baca will be sentenced on June 27 and, per his plea agreement, faces 33 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
