A Colorado Springs resident, Jose Baeza, aged 41, has been sentenced to 330 months in federal prison. The sentence follows his guilty plea to several charges including conspiracy to distribute significant quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl, and possession of a firearm by a felon. Additionally, Baeza admitted to a second-degree murder charge in Otero County Court.
The plea agreement revealed that Baeza, known as "Terco," fatally shot an individual in La Junta, Colorado in March 2022. The incident was related to a drug debt connected to the trafficking organization he was involved with.
"Violent drug dealers have no place in our communities," stated Acting United States Attorney J. Bishop Grewell. He expressed gratitude for the collaboration with partners that led to removing Baeza from the streets.
DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division Special Agent Jonathan Pullen commended the efforts of the DEA's Colorado Springs Resident Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for ensuring justice is served. He affirmed DEA's commitment to pursuing those involved in drug trafficking and violent crimes.
The sentencing was overseen by United States District Court Judge Daniel D. Domenico. The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, while Assistant United States Attorneys Alyssa Christine Mance and Talia Bucci handled the prosecution.
