Eighth Defendant Arrested in Montezuma County Area Narcotics Investigation

DURANGO – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Douglas Brummett, age 23, of Montezuma County has been arrested on an indictment alleging multiple instances of trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine. Brummett made his initial appearance in federal court on June 1, 2023, before United States Magistrate Judge James M. Candelaria.  If convicted, Brummett faces a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment on each count.

Brummett’s arrest is the latest originating from a joint investigation by the Montezuma County Sheriff's Office, the Cortez Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.  Previously, seven other alleged drug traffickers in the Montezuma County vicinity have been indicted and arrested on two separate indictments:

• In case number 22-cr-00359, Cesar Ortiz-Castillo, William Millard, Mary Lobato, Infant Maciel, and Russell Wall were previously indicted on conspiracy to commit drug trafficking offenses, for alleged violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846, and other drug distribution and weapons offenses. These five individuals have been arrested and are pending trial.
• In case number 23-cr-00007, Luis Martinez and Crystal Bass were previously indicted on conspiracy to commit drug trafficking offenses, for alleged violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846, and other drug distribution offenses. Both individuals have been arrested and are pending trial.

The charges contained in each indictment are allegations.  All of the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.     

The investigation is being conducted jointly by the Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office, the Cortez Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys R. Josh Player and Jeffrey K. Graves.

Case Number 23-cr-00245