In a recent trial held in Denver, a federal jury found Thomas O’Hara II, a 56-year-old man from Colorado Springs, guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. The investigation, carried out by the FBI Denver Division, DEA Rocky Mountain Division, and the Colorado Springs Police Department, resulted in the recovery of significant quantities of drugs, cash, and firearms. O’Hara now faces a sentence of no less than 10 years and up to life in prison. This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking and protect communities from the harmful effects of illegal narcotics.
Introduction
In a recent case in Colorado Springs, a man named Thomas O’Hara II has been convicted of drug trafficking charges. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the case, including background information, the evidence presented at trial, trial proceedings, sentencing and potential penalties, the investigating agencies and prosecution team involved, and related cases and investigations. By examining the details of this case, we can gain insight into the efforts of law enforcement agencies in combating drug trafficking and the potential consequences for those involved in such illegal activities.
Background Information
Overview of the Case
The case against Thomas O’Hara II involves charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. According to the facts presented at trial, law enforcement agencies executed several search warrants in the Colorado Springs area on June 1, 2021. These agencies included the Denver Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), the Rocky Mountain Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Colorado Springs Police Department.
Summary of Charges
O’Hara was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. The jury, however, found him not guilty of possessing heroin and fentanyl with the intent to distribute them.
Date and Location of Arrest
Thomas O’Hara II was arrested on June 1, 2021, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Law Enforcement Agencies Involved
The law enforcement agencies involved in the arrest and investigation of Thomas O’Hara II include the Denver Division of the FBI, the Rocky Mountain Division of the DEA, and the Colorado Springs Police Department.
Evidence Presented at Trial
Recovered Drugs
During the execution of search warrants at O’Hara’s residence and a third residence associated with him, law enforcement officers recovered a significant amount of drugs. Specifically, they found one-and-a-half pounds of methamphetamine and six-and-a-half pounds of methamphetamine.
Seized Weapons
In addition to the recovered drugs, law enforcement officers also seized weapons during the execution of search warrants. At O’Hara’s residence, they found two loaded handguns.
Drug Trafficking Paraphernalia
Investigators discovered drug trafficking paraphernalia at both O’Hara’s residence and his wife’s apartment.
Confiscated Cash
Law enforcement officers found and seized $112,027 in cash at O’Hara’s wife’s apartment. The cash was believed to be linked to drug trafficking activities.
Trial Proceedings
Length of Trial
The trial against Thomas O’Hara II lasted for six days, beginning on February 23, 2023, and concluding on March 1, 2023.
Presiding Judge
Judge William J. Martinez presided over the trial proceedings.
Verdict
The jury found Thomas O’Hara II guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. However, he was found not guilty of possessing heroin and fentanyl with the intent to distribute them.
Sentencing and Potential Penalties
Date of Sentencing
Thomas O’Hara II is scheduled to be sentenced on October 25, 2023.
Minimum and Maximum Sentences for Convictions
Each count of which Thomas O’Hara II was convicted carries a sentence of no less than 10 years and up to life in prison.
Specific Convictions and Their Sentences
Thomas O’Hara II was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. The sentencing for these specific convictions will be determined by the judge on October 25, 2023.
Investigating Agencies
Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI)
The Denver Division of the FBI played a key role in the investigation of Thomas O’Hara II. The FBI is a federal law enforcement agency that focuses on a wide range of criminal activities, including drug trafficking.
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
The Rocky Mountain Division of the DEA was also involved in the investigation. The DEA is responsible for enforcing federal drug laws and regulations and has a particular focus on targeting major drug trafficking organizations.
Colorado Springs Police Department
The Colorado Springs Police Department worked alongside federal agencies in the investigation and arrest of Thomas O’Hara II. Their involvement highlights the importance of cooperation between federal and local law enforcement agencies in combating drug trafficking.
Prosecution Team
Assistant United States Attorney Peter McNeilly
Assistant United States Attorney Peter McNeilly played a crucial role in the prosecution of Thomas O’Hara II. As an attorney representing the United States government, McNeilly presented the evidence and argued the case against O’Hara.
Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Duncan
Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Duncan also played a significant role in the prosecution of Thomas O’Hara II. Duncan worked alongside McNeilly to present the evidence and build the case against O’Hara.
Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF)
Definition and Purpose
The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) is a multi-agency task force that focuses on identifying, disrupting, and dismantling high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.
Role in Drug Trafficking Cases
In drug trafficking cases like the one involving Thomas O’Hara II, the OCDETF plays a crucial role in coordinating efforts among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. By leveraging the strengths of these agencies and employing an intelligence-driven approach, the OCDETF is able to target and dismantle major drug trafficking networks.
Multi-Agency Approach
The success of the OCDETF relies on the collaboration between different law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, DEA, and local police departments like the Colorado Springs Police Department. This multi-agency approach ensures a comprehensive and coordinated effort to combat drug trafficking.
Related Cases and Investigations
Pueblo Man Sentenced to 12.5 Years in Federal Prison
In a related case, a man named Leonard Cordova from Pueblo was sentenced to 12.5 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm and distributing drugs. This case demonstrates that law enforcement agencies are actively targeting individuals involved in drug trafficking activities.
Mexican National Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison
Another related case involved a Mexican national named Carlos Quijano-Ruiz. Quijano-Ruiz was sentenced to five years in federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy and money laundering scheme. This case highlights the transnational nature of drug trafficking and the importance of international cooperation in fighting this issue.
Eighth Defendant Arrested in Montezuma County Area Narcotics Investigation
In yet another related case, an individual named Douglas Brummett was arrested as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation in Montezuma County. Brummett was indicted on multiple charges related to drug trafficking. This case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to target and disrupt drug trafficking networks.
Contact Information
Deborah Takahara – Public Affairs Specialist
For further information or media inquiries regarding the case involving Thomas O’Hara II, please contact Deborah Takahara, the Public Affairs Specialist, at deborah.takahara@usdoj.gov.