A Denver man has been sentenced to 176 months in federal prison for his role in a drug conspiracy that trafficked large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin in Colorado.
Omar Rivas-Saenz, 31, of Denver, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Raymond Moore on December 17, 2021, for his involvement in the conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin.
According to the plea agreement and court filings, Rivas-Saenz worked for a drug trafficking organization that engaged in the interstate transportation and local distribution of large quantities of illegal drugs sourced from Mexico from May 2019 until September 2019.
On May 16, 2019, state authorities arrested Rivas-Saenz after finding him with roughly seven pounds of methamphetamine, as well as over $6,000 in cash. Several firearms, including one with a defaced serial number, were also found in his house, along with $3,000 in cash, 67 grams of heroin, and 400 fentanyl pills.
The defendant failed to appear for scheduled state court hearings and, six days after his arrest, he delivered a pound of 98% pure methamphetamine to a confidential informant. He then assisted in the coordination of the distribution of 10 pounds of methamphetamine and participated in the redistribution of 46 and 50-pound loads of methamphetamine.
On September 12, 2019, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials attempted to arrest the defendant on a federal warrant. Rivas-Saenz’s vehicle collided with police vehicles, and he fled on foot, leading officers on a chase through a residential area until he was finally taken into custody.
“Armed drug dealers who run from law enforcement create a particularly dangerous threat to the safety of our communities,” said United States Attorney Cole Finegan. “Our office is working with law enforcement partners to make Colorado a safer place by prosecuting these dangerous criminals.”
Rivas-Saenz’s sentence of 176 months in federal prison reflects the determination with which law enforcement agencies are combating and deterring the distribution of illegal narcotics in Colorado.
Key Facts
- State: Colorado
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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