On July 11, Carlos Ytuarte-Quinones was sentenced to 51 years in the Department of Corrections for 17 charges including drug trafficking, attempted first degree kidnapping, conspiracy to commit extortion, attempted motor vehicle theft, and two counts for violating the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act (COCCA). Ytuarte-Quinones was one of 16 individuals indicted by the Boulder County Grand Jury on May 19, 2023 as part of Operation Blue Steal.
About 124,000 suspected fentanyl pills were seized during the investigation, which equals approximately 30 pounds. In addition, authorities seized “blue” and “rainbow” M/30 opioid pills and “Versace” pills, also known as MDMA. The combined street value of the pills is estimated to be $500,000. 25 pounds of methamphetamine, 2.46 pounds of heroin, and 0.36 pounds of cocaine were also seized.
10 of Ytuarte-Quinones’ co-defendents were sentenced ranging from 18 months probation (unlawful possession of controlled substance) to 30 years in prison (violation of the COCCA). One co-defendant received 12 months deferred judgement. Ytuarte-Quinones received the largest prison sentence of the group so far. One defendant is still at large, but the name will not be released until an arrest is made.
“As reflected by the large amount of drugs recovered and their monetary value, the Drug Task Force shut down a major drug ring,” District Attorney Michael Dougherty said. “Our prosecution team fought hard to secure convictions against the leaders of this criminal enterprise, including for the Attempted First Degree Kidnapping. Today’s sentence is a direct result of tireless efforts, collaboration, and a shared commitment to doing justice and upholding the rule of law. I am grateful to all those who worked on this important, serious case.”
“The Boulder County Drug Task Force is dedicated to uphold the laws of Colorado and the United States,” Commander Nicholas Goldberger said. “We are proud to work with the District Attorney’s Office in holding defendants accountable for their actions that negatively affect the quality of life, health and safety of our community members.”
