BOULDER COUNTY, Colo. — Two men have been arrested on numerous charges following a multi-jurisdiction investigation into a drug dealing operation targeting middle and high school students in Boulder County.
District Attorney Michael Dougherty said the youngest victim is 11 years old. According to Dougherty, the victims go to schools in Boulder County and throughout the Front Range. Prosecutors believe there may be more victims.
On Wednesday, the 20th Judicial District Attorney's Office announced Angel Gomez Rubio had been arrested. He's accused of providing drugs and vapes to middle and high school-aged students in exchange for money and sexual acts. Gomez Rubio was arrested in Texas after returning from a trip to Mexico, the district attorney's office said.
Police said Gomez Rubio sold psilocybin mushrooms, MDMA, marijuana and vapes to students throughout Boulder County. During the investigation, police found Gomez Rubio coerced underaged girls to perform sexual acts in exchange for drugs and vapes, according to the district attorney's office.
Gomez Rubio faces 19 charges including five counts of human trafficking of a minor for sexual servitude and distribution of a controlled substance to a minor, the district attorney's office said in a release.
Police also arrested Fernando Pacheco on Nov. 24 on charges including human trafficking for sexual servitude, sexual assault on a child and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, according to the district attorney's office.
The investigation took several months. Longmont Police and the Boulder County Sheriff's Office were working on separate cases until they realized similarities in their investigations.
Dougherty said the suspects used social media apps to connect with the victims.
"I want to emphasize these kids are victims. They did nothing wrong and that is why we are going to do our very best to fight for them and support them throughout this process," he said.
“We are grateful to all our partners who provided assistance during this investigation," said Longmont Police Chief Jeff Satur. "We would also like to express our appreciation for the support extended by the Boulder County D.A.'s Office, Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, and their investigators. This was a significant and challenging investigation, and we are proud of the teamwork and dedication. Our number one priority is the safety and well-being of our community, especially school-aged children."
The Longmont Police Department, the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office and the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office are looking for anyone with additional information.
Anyone with information about additional victims and witnesses can contact Longmont Police Detective Daniel Kilian at 303-774-3693, Detective Ryan Williams at 303-774-4839, Boulder County Sheriff Detective Michael McKinley at 303-441-4692, or District Attorney Senior Investigator Edna Munoz at 303-441-1355.
"These defendants are charged with preying upon middle and high school students, including coercing students to engage in sexual acts for drugs and vapes," said Dougherty. "This arrest is a direct result of the outstanding efforts and teamwork of the investigators and prosecutors. Our office will strongly support the victims and fight for the right outcome in this case.”
“The Sheriff’s Office appreciates the Longmont Police Department and the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office working with us on this case," said Boulder County Sheriff Curtis Johnson. "It is a great example of the teamwork and coordination that occurs in Boulder County when crimes are committed in multiple jurisdictions. The arrest in this complex and challenging case is the result of hard work by detectives and prosecutors working together to protect young victims.”
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