Attorney General Phil Weiser and law enforcement partners shut down drug trafficking ring

Jan. 24, 2025 (DENVER)—The statewide grand jury indicted 10 people on a total of 25 counts in an alleged drug trafficking ring that spanned from Adams County to Prowers County between February and October of 2024, Attorney General Phil Weiser announced today.

According to the indictments, Louie Gonzales, Chester Gray, Chelsea Hall-Chavira, Joshua Hyatt, Juan Mendoza, Edward Monroe, Asia Ralstin, Carlos Robinson, Dayla White, and Steve Yang allegedly sold illicit controlled substances, including fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamines.

During multiple traffic stops involving the defendants, police seized thousands of grams of illegal substances, including 1,471.5 grams of fentanyl, 2,017.3 grams of methamphetamine, 125.5 grams of cocaine, and 86.8 grams of heroin during one particular search of Hyatt’s vehicle in October 2024.

“Illegal drugs like fentanyl are driving crime in our communities, hurting families, and fueling the overdose crisis.” said Weiser. “By holding these traffickers accountable and keeping these dangerous drugs out of our communities, we can save lives in Colorado.”

The investigation recovered approximately:

  • Over 13.5 kilograms of fentanyl and pills containing fentanyl
  • Over 5.4 kilograms of methamphetamine
  • 9 grams of heroin
  • 3 grams of cocaine

The defendants are charged with various drug felonies, including conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. The cases are filed in Adams County in the 17th Judicial District, and in Prowers County in the 15th Judicial District.

The investigation in this case was possible due to the hard work and dedication of the Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Unit, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Colorado Springs Resident Office, the Prowers County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lamar Police Department.

A grand jury indictment is a formal accusation that an individual committed a crime under Colorado laws. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Documents:

Grand Jury Indictment – Adams County (PDF download)

Grand Jury Indictment – Prowers County (PDF download)

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Media Contact:
Lawrence Pacheco
Chief Communications Officer
(720) 508-6553 office | (720) 245-4689 cell
lawrence.pacheco@coag.gov