Denver Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Leonardo Medina, age 46, of Denver was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy.

According to evidence presented at trial earlier this year, an investigation by the Denver Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) revealed that Medina operated a large-scale drug-trafficking organization in Colorado. Evidence gathered through wiretaps, undercover purchases, physical surveillance, analysis of financial records, electronic surveillance, and other enforcement actions demonstrated that Medina supplied bulk methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine to subordinate dealers in Denver and Colorado Springs throughout 2021 and 2022. In July 2022, Medina coordinated a delivery of more than 40 pounds of methamphetamine from Mexico for his drug-trafficking organization. Acting on information they learned from a wiretap on Medina’s phone, investigators in Colorado coordinated with law enforcement officers in Texas to intercept and seize the shipment.

According to court records, Medina has multiple prior felony convictions for drug trafficking. He was sentenced to six years in prison for his first drug trafficking conviction. While on parole for that offense, he was again convicted of a drug trafficking offense and sentenced to 15 years in prison.

“Mr. Medina chose to make a living by dealing drugs which kill people and destroy communities. This lengthy prison sentence puts him out of business,” said United States Attorney Peter McNeilly. “We are very proud of this collaboration between the Denver Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office which held Mr. Medina and several of his criminal associates accountable and made Colorado a safer place to live.”

“This sentence is a significant win not only for our agents and investigative partners but for the communities we serve,” said Homeland Security Investigations Denver Special Agent in Charge Steve Cagen. “I applaud our agents and members of the Denver Police, as well as the U.S. Attorney’s office on this outcome, this sends a message that those who peddle poison will be found and brought to justice.”

“Thanks to Homeland Security Investigations and our Denver Police Major Narcotics Trafficking Unit, the U.S. Attorney’s Office had a strong case that led to the conviction and sentencing of Mr. Medina,” said Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas. “We continue to investigate, arrest and prosecute those who distribute dangerous drugs in our community. These sentencings send the message that if you sell drugs in our city, we will find you and hold you accountable.”

Chief United States District Judge Philip Brimmer presided over the sentencing. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Denver Police Department.  The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Dustin Andre-Vandenberg, Sonia Dave, and Zeke Knox.

Case Number: 23-cr-00049-PAB