United States Drug Enforcement Administration

NOV 17 - Denver- Today, Jeffrey D. Sweetin, Special Agent in Charge of the Denver Field Division, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), District of Colorado United States Attorney Bill Leone, and Larimer County Drug Task Force Commander Craig Dodd announced the conclusion of an eight month investigation into a major methamphetamine distribution organization operating in Loveland, Colorado. On November 15, 2005, DEA and the Larimer County Drug Task Force with assistance from the Loveland Police Department and Fort Collins Police Services tactical teams served three search warrants and arrested one of the organizations leaders and a distributor for the organization.

DEA Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey D. Sweetin stated that, “The impact of these arrests and investigation cannot be understated. A major supply network providing meth to Loveland has been cut off. Meth and crime go together. By taking meth of the streets of Loveland, we also prevent other crimes from being committed.”

The investigation has identified between 15-20 persons operating as an organized group. The organization is responsible for the sale of meth to at least 200 to 300 citizens in Larimer County. It is estimated that the meth ring distributed four to five pounds of methamphetamine on a weekly basis in Larimer County. The two suspects identified as leaders of this organization are Joshua Tobey Perea and Jason Lee Smith. Joshua Perea was arrested yesterday without incident and is currently in federal custody awaiting his initial appearance. Jason Smith is currently being sought by law enforcement.

The second person arrested without incident yesterday was Kristine Summers, Jason Smith’s common-in-law wife. Kristine Summers is being held at the Larimer County Detention Center on Colorado state methamphetamine distribution charges.

Yesterdays arrests and searches led to the seizure of over 10 ounces of methamphetamine. To date in this investigation, nearly three pounds of methamphetamine has been seized and upwards of 20 felony drug arrests related to this organization have been charged with state distribution counts. At this time, Jason Smith and Joshua Perea are the only defendants being prosecuted federally.

Larimer County Drug Task Force Commander Craig Dodd stated, “This case is demonstrative of the impact that is possible when federal and local resources are pooled. With the assistance of the DEA, we were able to identify and arrest a greater number of drug suspects and dismantle this organization.”

Search warrants were served at three Loveland residences; 2102 S. Colorado Avenue, 1806 East 16 th Street, and 2267 Steamboat Springs.

Joshua Perea is 24 years old and resides at 1806 16 th Street, Loveland, Colorado. Kristine Summers is 22 years old and resides at 2102 S. Colorado Avenue, Loveland, Colorado. Jason Smith is 31 years old and resides at 1806 16 th Street, Loveland, Colorado.

Joshua Perea has been charged with Possession with Intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine. A federal arrest warrant has been issued for Jason Smith. When apprehended, Jason Smith will be charged with Possession with the Intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine. The charge carries a penalty of not less than 5 years, and not more than 40 years in prison, and or a $2,000,000 fine.

The Larimer County Drug Task Force i s comprised of representatives from the Colorado State University Police Department, Fort Collins Police Services, Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, Loveland Police Department, and the Larimer County District Attorney’s Office.

The charges are only allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty. For more information please contact U.S. Attorney’s Office Public Affairs Officer Jeffrey Dorschner at (303) 454-0243 or Special Agent Karen Flowers at (303) 705-7351.

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Jason Lee Smith or with information regarding this organization is encouraged to contact Investigator Rob Pride at the Larimer County Drug Task Force at (970) 416-2560.