Colorado Springs man sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- A Colorado Springs man was sentenced to more than seven years in federal prison for drug trafficking and a weapons charge.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado, 35-year-old Zachary Lawhead was arrested in November of 2021.

Investigators say he was a fugitive with three outstanding state arrest warrants before November 1, 2021. On Nov. 2, 2021, the Colorado Springs Police Department found him at his apartment complex.

Detectives searched him and found several baggies of methamphetamine and heroin. According to investigators, he intended to distribute the drugs found.

Officers also found a loaded semi-automatic pistol in his back pocket, which he was prohibited from possessing as a convicted felon.

On Sept. 16, 2022, he was sentenced to 92 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon and possession with intent to distribute more than five grams of methamphetamine.

He was also sentenced to four years of supervised release.

“Reducing gun violence and drug trafficking are our top priorities at the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan in a press release. “Felons should take note: with the help of our partners at the ATF, we will enforce the federal law that prohibits them from possessing a firearm or ammunition.”