A Denver man, Leonardo Medina, 46, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for his involvement in a drug trafficking conspiracy. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announced the sentence following an investigation that revealed Medina’s role in a large-scale drug-trafficking organization operating in Colorado.
Evidence presented at trial earlier this year showed that Medina was involved in distributing methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine throughout Denver and Colorado Springs during 2021 and 2022. Investigations by the Denver Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) used wiretaps, undercover purchases, surveillance, and financial records analysis to gather evidence against him. In July 2022, a coordinated effort led to the interception of over 40 pounds of methamphetamine being transported from Mexico.
Medina has previous felony convictions related to drug trafficking. He was first sentenced to six years in prison for such offenses and later received a 15-year sentence while on parole.
“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,” stated United States Attorney Peter McNeilly.
Steve Cagen from HSI remarked on the success of the case: “This sentence is a significant win not only for our agents and investigative partners but for the communities we serve.”
Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas also praised the efforts leading to Medina’s conviction: “Thanks to Homeland Security Investigations and our Denver Police Major Narcotics Trafficking Unit… 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 with Assistant United States Attorneys Dustin Andre-Vandenberg, Sonia Dave, and Zeke Knox handling prosecution duties.
The case number associated with this prosecution is 23-cr-00049-PAB.
