A Colorado man was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
Anthony Ward, 39, of Aurora, Colorado, was sentenced on May 17, 2024, to 30 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.
A co-conspirator, Darnell Young, was sentenced to 17 years and six months in federal prison on October 24, 2023. Both defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury in the spring of 2023.
Ward was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance resulting in serious bodily injury and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance following a four-day federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota, that concluded on February 26, 2024.
The convictions stem from an investigation into Ward that started in the spring of 2022. Investigators eventually stopped a vehicle that Ward was traveling in and found approximately 150 fentanyl pills, $2,859.00 in cash, and a handgun in a bag in the trunk of the vehicle. Through the investigation, law enforcement learned that Ward was responsible for sourcing thousands of fentanyl pills from Denver to Rapid City. They also learned that he sourced a fentanyl pill that was eventually distributed to someone in Rapid City who smoked the pill and overdosed. Another person present at the scene was able to revive the victim with Narcan.
Ward also received a sentencing enhancement for lying under oath during his trial. This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Ward was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. The sentence is a harsh reminder of the deadly consequences of fentanyl trafficking. Authorities say that fentanyl is responsible for a surge in overdose deaths across the country.
Law enforcement agencies continue to crack down on fentanyl trafficking and distribution. In this case, the sentencing sends a strong message that those involved in the trade will face severe consequences. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
The Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET) and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) are working tirelessly to combat the fentanyl epidemic. Their efforts are crucial in keeping communities safe from the dangers of fentanyl. The public is encouraged to support these efforts by reporting any information that may lead to the arrest and prosecution of those involved in fentanyl trafficking.
RELATED: Springs Dealer Gets 25 Years for Fentanyl, Guns
RELATED: Springs Dealer Gets 25 Years
Related Federal Cases
- Colorado Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Fentanyl Trafficking and Lying Under Oath · Colorado
- Rapid City’s ‘Texas’ Sentenced to 20 Years for Meth & Fentanyl Distribution · Colorado
- Colorado Man Indicted for Marijuana Distribution · Colorado
- Colorado Man Pleads Guilty to Mail Fraud · Kansas
- Colorado Man Indicted for Sexual Misconduct Against Minors · Colorado
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News