Date: September 2, 2022 Contact: newsroom@ci.irs.gov The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Colorado announces Armando DeLeon, of Colorado Springs, was sentenced to 62 months in prison for distribution of cocaine and money laundering. DeLeon previously pled guilty on August 24, 2021. According to the filed information and the stipulated facts in the plea agreement, DeLeon sold approximately three kilograms of cocaine to a confidential informant through a series of transactions from various locations, including his personal residence, between approximately July 26, 2017, and September 15, 2017. During a search warrant of DeLeon's residence executed on October 3, 2017, a Panther Arms AR-15-style rifle and two pistols were located, along with over $27,000 cash. The defendant was prohibited from possessing firearms as a result of a prior felony conviction. Analysis of the defendant's bank records show DeLeon maintained a credit card in the name of his business, D&D Detailing. While DeLeon told investigators the business was shut down earlier in 2017, the credit card showed spending activity between July and October. DeLeon acknowledged making a $7,000 payment on this credit card account in July 2017 that, at least in part, included proceeds from DeLeon's drug trafficking activity. U.S. District Court Judge William J. Martinez sentenced the defendant on August 31, 2022. "We appreciate our law enforcement partners identifying and investigating this case," said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan. "The fact that this drug dealer is going to spend several years in federal prison should serve as a warning to others who think they can get away with this kind of illegal activity." "This sentencing is a great example of the combined law enforcement efforts necessary to prosecute drug traffickers and IRS:CI's role in unraveling their financial transactions" said IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Andy Tsui. "IRS-CI is proud to provide our financial expertise as we work alongside our law enforcement partners to bring criminals to justice." "The harm this defendant posed to the community illustrates why FBI Denver's Southern Colorado Safe Streets Task Force is so crucial," said Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider. "Whether taking down one individual or a network, this case reflects the valuable partnership the FBI holds with law enforcement agencies to mitigate the distribution of illegal drugs and make our communities safer." This case was investigated by IRS:CI and the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Teitelbaum.
