A Pueblo man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to multiple gun and drug charges. Joshua Pacheco, 33, was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, possessing a machine gun, possessing methamphetamine and fentanyl with intent to distribute, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, on October 20, 2023, Pacheco was on federal supervised release for a previous firearms conviction when law enforcement encountered him returning home. A search of his vehicle led officers to recover several firearms—including machine guns—and significant quantities of controlled substances: approximately 351 grams of fentanyl pills and 621 grams of methamphetamine. Authorities also seized about $2,000 in cash. Investigators determined that Pacheco intended to distribute the drugs and possessed the firearms as part of his trafficking activities.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to making communities all across Colorado safer for the benefit of their residents,” said U.S. Attorney Peter McNeilly. “Pueblo is safer with this heavily armed drug dealer back behind bars.”
“Under no circumstances will ATF stand idly by while armed, violent repeat offenders victimize our communities by illegally possessing and trafficking firearms and drugs,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Brent Beavers. “Together with our local and federal partners, we will unleash every available resource in pursuit of these violent criminals, bring them to justice, and restore the safety and security to our streets that every citizen deserves to enjoy.”
“Illegal guns and illicit drugs continue to drive violence in our communities,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. “By bringing the full force of federal prosecution against the most dangerous offenders, we are removing threats from our neighborhoods and sending an unmistakable message: the FBI’s Southern Colorado Safe Streets Task Force is firmly committed to protecting our citizens and upholding the rule of law.”
United States District Judge S. Kato Crews presided over sentencing.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) along with the FBI’s Southern Colorado Safe Streets Task Force conducted the investigation into Pacheco’s activities. The Violent Crimes and Immigration Enforcement Section at the United States Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case.
Case Number: 1:24-cr-00202-SKC
