Man from Silt sentenced to 12 years in prison for drug trafficking

Anthony Toovey, 28, was sentenced Thursday to 12 years in the Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to several drug-related charges. Toovey appeared before 9th District Court Judge John F. Neiley, who accepted his guilty plea.

Toovey was arrested in connection with the seizure of approximately 1,300 fentanyl pills, 45 grams of methamphetamine, and $2,000 in cash. The drugs were seized as part of a Garfield County Special Problem Enforcement and Response Task Force (SPEAR) investigation. The seizure occurred in June 2023 while Toovey was on probation for 118 days.

Toovey faced multiple charges, all of which carried severe penalties. He pleaded guilty to possession of fentanyl with intent to sell or distribute, a Class 1 drug offense, and possession of fentanyl with intent to sell or distribute, a Class 2 drug offense. Both charges carried a potential sentence of up to 32 and 16 years, respectively. However, as part of the plea agreement, Toovey will serve both sentences concurrently.

Judge Neiley expressed his disappointment at Toovey's repeated offending despite efforts to place him in rehabilitation programs.

“I don't like sending people to the Department of Corrections,” Neiley said. “But that's part of my job and sometimes it's the appropriate punishment.”

Toovey's past includes four arrests in 2023 alone. His criminal record also includes an outstanding warrant in Texas for trafficking 2.5 pounds of heroin. Despite these offenses, Toovey expressed regret for his actions.

“I'm sorry for poisoning my community,” Toovey said. “While I wish I could get less time, I think 12 years is probably appropriate.”

Neiley acknowledged Toovey's statement and stressed the seriousness of the allegations.

“Fentanyl is killing more people every year,” Neiley said. “Maybe this is an opportunity and a turning point for you.”

The judge also waived Toovey's drug surcharges and other charges on the grounds that he was indigent.

District Attorney Virginia Sorrell supported the settlement, calling it a fair outcome given Toovey's repeated offenses.

“People would ask the court to grant this request,” Sorrell said. “It's unfortunate that we're here, but upon review of the series of cases, it emerged that Mr. Toovey was on probation and continued to traffic fentanyl.”

Toovey was given 322 days' probation and will have the opportunity to participate in Department of Corrections programs aimed at rehabilitation and sobriety.

Neiley encouraged Toovey to use these programs.

“Maybe the Department of Corrections isn't the solution to the global crisis,” Neiley said. “But maybe it can help you clear your head.”