Husband, wife and 11 others arrested for drug smuggling

OGDEN – 13 people were arrested in connection with a drug smuggling scheme that brought Suboxone into the Weber County Jail.

In April, the Weber-Morgan Narcotics Strike Force began investigating reports of the drug, used to treat opioid addiction, being smuggled into the prison. Agents examined recorded telephone conversations between several inmates and people outside the prison.

“Agents learned that Isak Archuleta directed, directed and controlled several other inmates and other individuals. . . “otherwise involved in the coordinated and ongoing smuggling and distribution of controlled substances into the Weber County Jail,” the Weber County Prosecutor’s Office said in a probable cause statement.

Police allege that he controlled the operation from inside the prison while his wife, Antonia Archuleta, handled business outside the prison. While the phone calls used coded language, it appears that Antonia Archuleta took drug orders over the phone and “asked the inmate if he wanted the music.” The inmate said he wanted it and Antonia said she would notify him so he could send it to him,” the document states.

Investigators said the Archuletas and other inmates then profited from drug distribution through platforms such as Venmo and CashApp.

At some point during the investigation, agents followed Antonia Archuleta to the Weber County Fairgrounds, where she allegedly dropped Suboxone. Investigators believe these drugs were intended to enter the Weber County Jail where they could distribute to Isak Archuleta and other inmates.

Both Archuletas are charged with 11 felony counts of drug distribution and one felony count of money laundering. Charles Keller, whose conversations with Antonia Archuleta were repeatedly recorded, was charged with five felonies. Ten other people involved in the scheme were also charged with crimes.