KGIW AM 1450/105.3 FM - Alamosa's Classic Hits

09/24/2026

For Immediate Release
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Cross-Jurisdictional Drug Organization Investigation

Alamosa, CO – On September 23, 2026, the Alamosa Police Department, alongside the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, initiated a cross-jurisdictional drug organization investigation involving numerous individuals from the city and county of Alamosa, Sanford, Antonito, and Bountiful areas. This investigation was initiated due to the organized crime distribution network plaguing the San Luis Valley with illicit narcotics.

On this day, members of the Alamosa Police Department, Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Alcohol, To***co, Fi****ms and Explosives, U.S. Marshals Service, Alamosa County Sheriff's Office, Conejos County Sheriff's Office, Colorado State Patrol, Alamosa EMS, Colorado National Guard Joint Counter Drug Task Force and the Colorado State Patrol Dispatch Center assisted with the operation and ex*****on of 10 residential search warrants spanning from the city of Alamosa to Alamosa county, as well as Bountiful, Sanford, and Antonito, resulting in the seizure of illicit narcotics and items used with illicit narcotic distribution and possession. Individuals involved in this drug organization were taken into custody and transported to local jails.

The Alamosa Police Department's Major Crimes Division has identified a total of 14 individuals wanted in connection with this drug organization and requested the U.S. Marshals Service to locate each individual for arrest. Suspects were located by the Marshals Service and warrant teams with one suspect still pending capture.

The arrested suspects are as follows:
James Sanchez Sr. – Age: 63 | Bountiful, CO (Taken to Alamosa County Jail)
Melissa Trujillo – Age: 57 | Sanford, CO (Taken to Alamosa County Jail)
James Sanchez Jr. – Age: 38 | Sanford, CO (Taken to Alamosa County Jail)
Devon Cooper – Age: 29 | Alamosa County (Taken to Alamosa County Jail on 9/21/26)
Heather Martinez – Age: 31 | Alamosa County (Taken to Conejos County Jail)
Jennifer Chacon – Age: 54 | Alamosa County (Taken to Alamosa County Jail)
Dale Gonzalez – Age: 61 | Alamosa City (Taken to Alamosa County Jail)
Michelle Medina – Age: 50 | Antonito, CO (Taken to Conejos County Jail)
Rosa Trujillo – Age: 34 | Antonito, CO (Taken to Alamosa County Jail)
Jessica Arellano – Age: 32 | Antonito, CO (Taken to Alamosa County Jail)
Ronnie Lee Romero – Age: 60 | Antonito, CO (Taken to Conejos County Jail)
Michael Archuleta – Age: 35 | Antonito, CO (Taken to Alamosa County Jail)
Gerald Bagwell – Age: 30 | Bountiful, CO (Taken to Conejos County Jail)

Suspects involved have charges ranging from Colorado Organized Crime Control Act (COCCA) – Pattern of Racketeering Activity, Money Laundering, Unlawful Distribution of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Distribution of Fentanyl, Substantial Source of Income / Pattern, Organizer / Manager of Conspiracy, Conspiracy, Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance, to COCCA – Conspiracy to Engage in a Pattern of Racketeering Activity and Unlawful Distribution / Sale of Fentanyl.

The Alamosa Police Department would like to thank the 12th Judicial District Attorney’s Office and all of the federal, state, and local partners who assisted with this complex investigation and operation. The successful ex*****on of the search warrants and apprehension of those involved was the result of extensive coordination and cooperation among the participating agencies.

The Alamosa Police Department would also like to recognize the members of the Major Crimes Division and all department personnel who contributed to the investigation and ex*****on of the search warrants. In particular, Major Crimes Detective and U.S. Marshals Service Task Force Officer Joshua Glass provided months of dedicated investigative work that was instrumental in helping dismantle an organization that has been supplying illicit narcotics across the valley for generations.

The Alamosa Police Department would also like to thank the community for its continued support and cooperation. Information provided by community members plays an important role in helping law enforcement identify and address illegal drug activity. The department encourages anyone with information about illegal drug activity to contact law enforcement. This case is still active and ongoing.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty.

09/23/2026

Tropical moisture surging into the Desert Southwest continues a dangerous flash flooding threat across central and eastern New Mexico and the TX/OK panhandles through Thursday morning. Slow-moving storms producing heavy rainfall can quickly lead to flooding across the desert terrain.

weather.gov

09/23/2026

..FLOOD WATCH -- WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH LATE THURSDAY NIGHT...

* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be
possible.

* WHERE...A portion of southwest Colorado, including the following areas, San Juan River Basin and Southwest San Juan Mountains.

* WHEN...From Wednesday afternoon through late Thursday night.

* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,
creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- The ground remains saturated from recent heavy rainfall over the past week. After a brief break, deep moisture is expected to
return to southwest Colorado Tuesday with a few inches of
rainfall possible during the Wednesday through Thursday
timeframe. In addition, multiple rounds of showers and
thunderstorms are expected Wednesday through Thursday evening producing periods of heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood
Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

Silverton Medical Rescue Silverton - San Juan Fire And Rescue Authority San Juan County Colorado Sheriff’s Office

09/22/2026

The San Juans could pick up a few inches of snow Tuesday night into Wednesday. ❄️🏔️

No big impacts yet, but it’s only a matter of time.

09/19/2026

Public Notice:

On September 11, 2026, Juan Lizardi-Sanchez was arrested by the Costilla County Sheriff’s Office in connection with the theft of a motor vehicle in the town of San Luis, Colorado.

The Costilla County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting our community and holding individuals accountable for criminal activity.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

09/18/2026

Public Notice:
On September 15, 2026, Jeremiah Benton was arrested by the Costilla County Sheriff’s Office in connection with two separate burglary incidents.

August 20, 2026 – Town of San Luis

A Costilla County Sheriff’s Office deputy was dispatched to Forbes Road in the Town of San Luis in response to a reported burglary. The victim provided screenshots depicting the suspect who had entered the residence without permission. This information assisted deputies in identifying the suspect.

Thank you to the Blanca Police Department for their assistance in the apprehension of Jeremiah Benton. We appreciate your continued partnership with Costilla County.

September 15, 2026 – Blanca, Colorado

On September 15, 2026, a Costilla County Sheriff’s Office deputy was dispatched to a reported burglary in progress in Blanca. Upon arrival, the deputy contacted and questioned the suspect, who was subsequently taken into custody.

The Costilla County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the cooperation and assistance of the community as we continue working to investigate these incidents and keep our communities safe.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

09/18/2026

First Alert: SW Colorado has been soaked this week with 1 to 4 inches of rain with more to come! A Flood Watch remains in effect thru midnight Thursday!

09/17/2026

09/16/2026

...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH THURSDAY EVENING...
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.

* WHERE...A portion of southwest Colorado, including the following areas, Animas River Basin, Four Corners/Upper Dolores River, Northwest San Juan Mountains, San Juan River Basin and Southwest San Juan Mountains.

* WHEN...From Wednesday afternoon through Thursday evening.

* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,
creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
This also includes the Gold Mountain, Elk and Ferris burn scars as well as areas of steep, susceptible terrain.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- Recent heavy rainfall in southwest Colorado has led to already
saturated ground. In addition, multiple rounds of showers and
thunderstorms are expected Wednesday afternoon through Thursday evening producing periods of heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood
Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

Silverton Medical Rescue San Juan County Colorado Sheriff’s Office Silverton - San Juan Fire And Rescue Authority