Sammy Valdez was found guilty today for manslaughter after supplying a couple with pills laced with fentanyl.
On March 19, a man in Lafayette woke to find his girlfriend not breathing and unresponsive, according to a news release from the Boulder County District Attorney's Office. The man admitted that he and his girlfriend and consumed what they believed to be oxycondone pills before going to bed. The next morning, he woke to find his girlfriend had died.
The man identified Valdez as the person who sold the pills to the couple.
The Boulder County Drug Task Force launched an investigation and sent the remaining pills to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation for testing. The pills came back positive for fentanyl, the news release stated.
Valdez attended a court hearing today where he was found guilty of Manslaughter, Distribution of a Controlled Substance — fentanyl, three counts of Distribution of a Controlled Substance — cocaine, and Possession with Intent to Distribute — cocaine, according to the DA's office.
Valdez' sentencing trial is scheduled on Feb. 2.
“Given the tragic death of this victim, today’s verdict is justice. Nothing will bring the victim back or fill the void for her loved ones, but we hope this trial and verdict provide some answers for them. I appreciate the efforts that Boulder County Drug Task Force poured into this investigation. As a result, the District Attorney’s Office was able to file criminal charges; our team fought for justice for the victim, her family, and our community. We are grateful for the time and service of the jurors. Fentanyl dealers, such as this defendant, who seek to profit from dealing deadly drugs, must be held fully accountable,” said District Attorney Michael Dougherty.
