by George Gramlich

Westcliffe, Colo.

As noted in the attached Custer County Sheriff’s press release on the incident, Custer County Sheriff’s Deputies, with the help of a canine team from the Fountain Police Department, executed a search warrant, Sunday, September 16th, on a residence about a quarter mile off of County Road 255 (Oak Creek Grade), Mile Marker 9, and arrested two people on various charges involving possession and distribution of meth-amphetamine (meth).
According to Undersheriff Chris Barr, the arrest warrant was procured on the basis of several informants attesting to the use and sale of meth at the premises. Under Sheriff Barr also stated that there was no evidence that meth was being produced there although there was a lot of drug paraphernalia on the premises. The suspects had no drug related prior convictions. Under Sheriff Barr noted that more than two grams of meth triggers meth distribution charges and that the amount of the drug recovered (7.5 grams) was significant. The investigation is ongoing.
In a stark warning to drug dealers, Under Sheriff Barr stated, “The Custer County Sheriff’s Office wants the citizens to know that if you come to our county to use or distribute controlled substances you will be arrested, convicted and the problem will be eradicated.”

Press release from the Office of Sheriff, Custer County:

Press Release

On September 16, 2018 at approximately 10 a.m. Custer County Sheriff’s Deputies, assisted by the Fountain Police Department K-9 Unit, executed a search warrant at 8915 County Road 255 in rural Custer County. The warrant was executed by four Custer County Deputies and Fountain Police Department K-9 handler Jon Kay, his security partner, Matthew Angoy and “Phoenix”, a K-9 narcotic and an apprehension dog. Deputies arrested two parties,
Sharla Rae Matchen and Felix Gallegos of Pueblo, for Possession of a Controlled Substance with intent to distribute. Matchen was also charged with Distribution of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. 7.3 grams of Methamphetamine and the material for processing and distribution were seized at the residence. The search warrant and arrest were the results of an ongoing narcotic investigation involving distribution of Methamphetamine in Custer County.

For further information contact Sheriff Shannon Byerly or Undersheriff Chris Barr at 719-783-2270.

PHOTOS of the accused are in the digital and print version of the paper.