Denver Deputy Sheriff and Other Individual Charged With Federal Drug Crimes

DENVER – Denver Sheriff’s Deputy Sylvia Montoya, age 46, and Timothy Spikes, age 36, both from Denver, were charged with drug trafficking crimes.  Spikes also faces a federal firearm charge.  The arrests were announced by U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn and ATF Denver Division Special Agent in Charge David Booth.  At yesterday’s detention hearing Spikes was ordered held in custody without bond while Montoya was released on bond. 

According to the indictment, Sylvia Montoya and Timothy Spikes did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine and 5 grams or more of methamphetamine; did unlawfully and knowingly use and maintain a place for the purpose of distributing crack cocaine and methamphetamine, located at 3966 S. Wadsworth, Apartment #201, in Lakewood, Colorado; and defendant Timothy Spikes did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute heroin. 

In addition, defendant Timothy Spikes was also charged with knowingly possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; knowingly and intentionally possessing with intent to distribute crack cocaine; knowingly and intentionally possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine; and possession of a firearm and ammunition, having been previously convicted of a felony crime. 

If convicted, both defendants face not less than 10 years and not more than life in federal prison for some of the charges.  Other charges carry a penalty of not more than 20 years in prison.

This case was investigated by the newly formed RAVEN (Regional Anti-Violence Enforcement Network), including the Denver Division of the ATF, the Aurora and Denver Police Departments, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, the Lakewood Police Department and the Denver District Attorney’s Office.  The defendants are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Celeste Rangel.

The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.