Colorado Springs man sentenced to 10 years for drug trafficking

DENVER, Colo. (KRDO) -- A Colorado Springs man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to drug trafficking and firearms charges, the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Colorado announced Tuesday.

41-year-old Matthew James Vernon of Colorado Springs plead guilty specifically to possession with intent to distribute more than 600 grams of heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

According to court documents, law enforcement executed a search warrant of Vernon's Colorado Springs home in June of 2021. The DA's office said more than 600 grams of heroin, a digital scale, a cash counter, and three firearms were recovered.

During an interview, Vernon acknowledged he could not legally possess a firearm and he possessed the heroin with the intent to sell it.

The FBI Denver Division investigated this case and it was prosecuted by the Violent Crime and Immigration Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.