RANGELY | Beginning late in 2017, the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation of narcotics distribution by multiple individuals.
Gertrude Marie Holland, 52, and Nicholas Bruce Gibson, 35, were arrested April 29 and Gary Kaye Heidel, 62, was arrested May 11.
On multiple separate occasions, Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Deputies supervised controlled purchases of suspected methamphetamine from Holland and Heidel as well as multiple times from Heidel and
Gibson’s residence in the Rangely, Colo., area. Subsequently, deputies obtained a search warrant for Gibson’s residence at 143 S. Sunset Ave., in Rangely. During the search of the residence, deputies recovered suspected heroin, methamphetamine, and dimethyltryptamine (DMT) which is
classified as a schedule I controlled
substance synthetic hallucinogen, in addition to large amounts of drug paraphernalia (syringes, pipes, scales, etc).
Holland and Gibson were taken into custody and transported to the Rio Blanco County Detention Center. An arrest warrant was obtained for Heidel and he was taken into custody on May 11 at his residence.
Charges against Holland include: unlawful possession of a Schedule I controlled substance (heroin), unlawful possession of a Schedule II controlled substance (methamphetamine), conspiracy to distribute a Schedule II controlled substance (methamphetamine); two counts of unlawful distribution of a Schedule II controlled substance (methamphetamine), possession with intent to distribute a Schedule II controlled substance (methamphetamine), unlawful use of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Charges against Heidel include: three counts of unlawful distribution of a Schedule II controlled substance (methamphetamine), possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and two counts of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Gibson has been charged with unlawful possession of a Schedule I controlled substance (dimethyltryptamine), introducing contraband in the first degree (methamphetamine), conspiracy to distribute a Schedule II controlled substance (methamphetamine), and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Unlawful distribution of a Schedule II controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a Schedule II controlled substance are both Class 3 drug felonies with each carrying a range of 4-12 years in prison and a $3,000-$750,000 fine. Unlawful possession of a Schedule II controlled substance, unlawful possession of a Schedule I controlled substance, conspiracy to distribute a Schedule II controlled substance are Class 4 drug felonies with a range of 2-6 years in prison and a $2,000-$500,000 fine. Introducing contraband in the first degree is a Class 4 felony with a range of 2-6 years in prison and a $2,000-$500,000 fine.
Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office was assisted in this investigation by Western Colorado and TRiDENT Drug Task Forces and the Uintah County Sheriff’s Office. Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office also received information from concerned citizens in the county.
Rio Blanco County law enforcement wants to remind anyone who is “dealing drugs” that we will come after you. You will be held accountable for your actions.
Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office has several ways concerned citizens can assist in reporting suspected drug activities. Visit the Sheriff’s Office website at www.rbc.usand look for the “Anonymous Reporting Form” or download our app in your app store by searching for “Rio Blanco County Sheriff.”
