J. Bishop Grewell Acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado | U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado
Blas Villa, a 41-year-old resident of Monte Vista, Colorado, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison. The sentence follows his guilty plea to charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado detailed that Villa was a known drug dealer in the San Luis Valley. In 2023, he was found with nearly a pound of pure methamphetamine and thousands of fentanyl pills across three separate incidents. One significant arrest occurred in August 2023 when Villa and an associate were discovered at a Monte Vista residence with large quantities of drugs, a handgun, multiple cell phones, a scale with drug residue, and $13,400 in cash.
Further investigation revealed photos on Villa's phone showing him with firearms and numerous images of fentanyl pills linked to a pill counting app. Despite being charged initially in state court and released on bond, Villa was arrested again in November 2023 for possessing heroin and methamphetamine. He was released once more but was later apprehended in December 2023 while driving with over 2,500 fentanyl pills and distribution amounts of methamphetamine.
Acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado J. Bishop Grewell commented on the case: “Mr. Villa is a serial offender,” expressing gratitude towards law enforcement partners for their role in removing him from the community.
DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Pullen remarked on the impact of Villa's sentencing: “Villa consistently brought harm and poison to Colorado, and with his sentencing the state is that much safer.”
Interim Monte Vista Police Chief Tyler Harford highlighted the collaborative efforts leading to this outcome: “The removal of these dangerous drugs is a testament to the tireless efforts of the Monte Vista Police Department... This operation represents a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and well-being of our community.”
The sentencing took place under United States District Judge Gordon P. Gallagher in Durango, Colorado. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) along with the Monte Vista Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey K. Graves led the prosecution.
