Drug Trafficker with Firearms Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison

DENVER – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that defendant Anthony Eli Lucero, a/k/a “Blade,” age 42, of Denver, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841. The sentence will be followed by 10 years of federal supervised release. The  Court also ordered the forfeiture of approximately $35,873 in seized U.S. currency as well as 9 firearms, high-capacity magazines, and over 100 rounds of assorted ammunition

According to the plea agreement, on May 4, 2018, state and federal narcotics investigators were preparing to execute a search warrant at a residence located on Lowell Blvd., in Denver. Inside, Anthony Lucero sold methamphetamine and heroin to a man later identified as Christopher Chavez.  Denver Police stopped Chavez and other individuals in a Cadillac a short distance from the residence.   The police recovered approximately two pounds of methamphetamine from the backseat of the Cadillac and approximately 14 grams of heroin and 27 grams of methamphetamine from Chavez himself.  All the drugs had come from defendant Lucero. 

A few minutes later, the Denver Police Department’s SWAT team executed the search warrant.  After breaking through a barricaded front door, the officers found Lucero inside. Investigators also found and seized distribution amounts of narcotics, 9 firearms (including AK-47 style rifles with high capacity magazines), ammunition, body armor, and scales. In total, investigators recovered over 2 kilograms of methamphetamine, 196 grams of heroin, 576 grams of cocaine, and 249 grams of crack cocaine.

Lucero is the last of several individual to be sentenced in connection with this case. Last month, co-defendant Christopher Chavez was sentenced to 102 months’ imprisonment (8.5 years) for his role.  The Court previously sentenced additional co-defendants in relation to this investigation and prosecution, including Donovan Roybal, who was sentenced to a total term of 70 months’ imprisonment, and Jonathan James Lovato, who was sentenced to serve 72 months’ imprisonment.  

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to aggressively prosecute drug dealers, especially those, like Mr. Lucero, who possess guns in connection with their drug trade,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Matt Kirsch

“The DEA is very pleased with this sentencing,” said DEA Denver Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne Reuter. “Lucero is another example of a heavily armed criminal, distributing poison in our communities who is being held accountable.”

“This case demonstrates the commitment that ATF has to work in partnership with our law enforcement partners.  We will continue to actively pursue any individuals that bring violence into our neighborhoods,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge David Booth.

United States District Court Judge Raymond P. Moore sentenced Anthony Lucero on July 6, 2021.

The Denver Police Department, the Lakewood Police Department, West Metro Drug Task Force, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives all participated in this investigation and prosecution.  Assistant United States Attorneys Cyrus Chung and Bradley Giles handled the prosecution of the case.

Case number: 18-cr-00236-RM

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