A federal jury has convicted Dominick Jesus Salazar, 51, from Pueblo, Colorado, on charges of drug possession with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announced the verdict.
The trial established that Salazar was arrested on May 23, 2023, outside a hotel room in Pueblo. Pueblo Police Officers observed him engaging in activities consistent with hand-to-hand drug sales. Upon arrest, officers found a loaded pistol and drug proceeds in his possession. A search of his hotel room revealed 184 grams of methamphetamine with a purity level of 98%.
Acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Matt Kirsch stated, “We will do our best to send convicted felons who continue to repeat their criminal behavior back to prison.” He added that communities are safer with repeat offenders like Salazar off the streets.
United States District Court Judge Charlotte N. Sweeney presided over the trial. The FBI Denver Field Office conducted the investigation while the Violent Crime and Immigration Enforcement Section of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado managed prosecution.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and community organizations. The Department launched an enhanced violent crime reduction strategy on May 26, 2021, focusing on building trust within communities, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.