A Pueblo man has been convicted by a federal jury of possessing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Dominick Jesus Salazar, 51, was arrested outside the former Rodeway Inn on May 23, 2023, according to a Nov. 26 news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado.
A Pueblo police officer observed Salazar outside the budget motel, which was “known to the Pueblo Police Department as a location used for criminal activity, including drug trafficking,” according to court documents.
On Thursday, February 1, 2024, Pueblo’s Rodeway Inn hosted a multi-agency operation to address criminal activity, suspected code violations and safety concerns. After the operation, the motel was closed indefinitely.
The officer witnessed Salazar “interacting with multiple people in a manner consistent with the personal sale of drugs,” the news release said.
A background summary of the incident stated that a police officer knew that Salazar had an outstanding arrest warrant and after confirming that the arrest warrant was still active, he arrested Salazar, who was found with a loaded handgun in his pocket, along with money and a key for a room. at the hotel.
A search of the room turned up drug paraphernalia, such as clear baggies and glass bongs, and police discovered 184 grams of meth that was “98% pure,” according to the release.
After his arrest, Salazar was taken to the Pueblo Police Department, where he eventually waived his rights. He was then interrogated on video for about an hour, during which he “made several statements about buying and selling methamphetamines,” according to court documents.
U.S. District Court Judge Charlotte N. Sweeney presided over the trial, the FBI Denver Field Office handled the investigation and the Violent Crime and Immigration Enforcement Division of the Colorado U.S. Attorney’s Office handled the prosecution, the release said.
“We will do our best to send convicted felons to prison who continue to engage in criminal conduct,” Acting U.S. Attorney Matt Kirsch of Colorado said in the news release.
Chieftain Editor Zach Hillstrom can be reached at zhillstrom@gannett.com or on X, at @ZachHillstrom. Support local news and subscribe to the Pueblo Chieftain at Subscribe.chieftain.com.
This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Pueblo man convicted of selling meth and illegally possessing guns
