DENVER – During an early raid this morning, over 100 law enforcement officers arrested members of two separate but related drug trafficking organizations, U.S. Attorney Bob Troyer, FBI Denver Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Janeen Diguiseppi, DEA Denver Division Special Agent in Charge Tim McDermott, and IRS-Criminal Investigations Special Agent in Charge Steven Osborne announced.  The Northern Colorado Drug Task Force (NCDTF) also played a critical role in the investigation.  Of those indicted, 18 have been arrested (8 of them in Mexico, one in New Mexico, 2 in El Paso) as of the time this press release was issued.  The remaining defendants, including 2 in Denver are being sought and will be considered fugitives. 

In January 2015, the NCDTF initiated an investigation into the Acosta cocaine trafficking organization.  Defendant Omar Chavez-Gutierrez was identified as the head of the Acosta Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO).  In March 2017, members of the Denver OCDETF Strike Force started a new investigation into two independent but connected cocaine trafficking organizations.  The first DTO was led by Omar Chavez-Gutierrez.  The second DTO was directed by Mexican Source of Supply Eduardo Ramon Tarango-Tarango, with assistance from Colorado-based cell head Armando Colacion-Talamantes.  The two organizations used a common source of supply, shared distributors, and maintained an overlapping customer base.  Both DTOs obtained cocaine from multiple sources in Chihuahua, Mexico.  The cocaine crossed the U.S./Mexico border between Juarez and El Paso.  Multi-kilogram shipments were transported by couriers to Colorado where the cocaine was delivered to distributors in the Denver metro area, and then sold to lower-level dealers.  Bulk cash drug proceeds were hidden in courier vehicles and transported to sources of supply in Mexico.

Based on this information, a federal grand jury in Denver returned five indictments charging 35 defendants with drug trafficking related crimes.  During the course of the investigation law enforcement seized approximately 25 kilograms of cocaine, 25 pounds of methamphetamine and $500,000.  During today’s raid, an additional 4 kilos of heroin, 1 ¼ kilo of cocaine, $47,000 cash, 5 handguns, 2 rifles (AK-47 and AR-15) and a car were seized.

If convicted, all defendants face multiple drug trafficking charges.  Each face not less than 10 years, and up to life, as well as a fine of up to $10,000,000.

This case was investigated by the Denver OCDETF Strike Force, including the FBI, DEA, IRS-CI, the Northern Colorado Drug Task Force and the Colorado Attorney General’s Office.  Agencies that assisted with today’s arrests include: the United States Marshals Service, the Aurora Police Department, ATF, ICE, DEA Colorado Springs Residence Office, DEA El Paso, and DEA Las Cruces.

The defendants were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Podolak and Zachary Phillips. 

The indictments contain allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. 

DENVER – Michael Benitez-Lopez, aka “Mikey” aka “Money Mike”, age 36 of Denver, Colorado, was found guilty late Friday, August 9, 2019, on one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, one count of cocaine distribution, and one count of use of a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking. 

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from March 2017, through April 1, 2018, Benitez-Lopez received multiple kilograms of cocaine as part of a large scale drug trafficking organization that was responsible for the importation of more than 200 kilograms of cocaine during the course of the conspiracy.  The defendant then sold multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine to lower level dealers throughout Metro Denver.

“Cocaine continues to be a serious problem in Metro Denver and in Colorado,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn.  “Working with the DEA and other law enforcement partners, we are targeting these large-scale traffickers and their networks.  Getting Mr. Benitez-Lopez off the streets and in prison for at least 10 years sends a strong signal to like-minded criminals that we will seek lengthy sentences for traffickers that try to use Colorado as a base to pedal their poison.”

“The DEA continues to see an increase in the distribution and abuse of cocaine along the Front Range,” said Special Agent in Charge of DEA’s Denver Division William McDermott.  “The investigation and prosecution of Mr. Benitez-Lopez on serious cocaine distribution charges is indicative of DEA’s commitment to work with the U.S. Attorney and law enforcement partners, and prioritize investigative resources towards dismantling the most significant illicit drug networks operating in Colorado. “

Benitez-Lopez faces not less than 10 years, and up to life in federal prison.

The trial lasted three days before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Philip A. Brimmer.  The jury deliberated for two hours before reaching their guilty verdicts.  Benitez-Lopez is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Brimmer on November 1, 2019.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The defendant was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Podolak and Zachary Phillips. 

CASE NUMBER:           18-cr-00328

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