Anthony Toovey, 26, appeared in court Thursday facing charges linked to the seizure of approximately 1,300 fentanyl pills, 45 grams of methamphetamine and $2,000 in cash in June. The arrest was the result of an investigation conducted by the Garfield County Special Problem Enforcement and Response Task Force (SPEAR). Toovey has been arrested eight times this year.

Public Defender Desiree Palomares spoke about how her client had come through this ordeal a changed man

“This time is different for Mr. Toovey,” Palomares said.

She emphasized a crucial change in Toovey’s circumstances – the support from his family, a factor seemingly absent in his previous encounters with the law. According to Palomares, Toovey’s father affirmed this transformation, noting this is the first instance he’s witnessed his son motivated to reform.

“I am finally at a point in my life where I don’t have many other options than to do something different,” Toovey confessed.

After spending 118 days on parole, during which he was arrested seven times until his capture on June 27, Toovey’s sentiments in court pointed towards a sincere intention of turning over a new leaf.

Colorado attorney James Stokes, however, expressed reservations.

“I think it is a great start but I am concerned that 30 days is just a drop in the bucket,” Stokes said.

He referenced Toovey’s recent completion of the Circle Program, a comprehensive residential treatment initiative for men grappling with substance use and mental health disorders. While acknowledging the step towards rehabilitation, Stokes underscored an open warrant in Texas against Toovey for trafficking roughly 2.5 pounds of heroin, highlighting the gravity of his entanglement with narcotics.

“This is not to say that Mr. Toovey can’t be successful and get away from drugs and turn his life around… the people’s concern is that 30 days at the Circle Program is not enough to turn the rudder,” Stokes added.

Garfield County Judge Denise Lynch decided to extend an opportunity for redemption to Toovey.

“Don’t make a fool out of me or I will come get you personally,” Lynch warned after granting Toovey his PR bond.

Toovey’s last day at the Circle Program, located in Mesa County, is Friday. 

Others waiting for sentencing, such as Rifle Correctional escapee Jewel Gist, as well as Jacob Cerda, who faces charges related to a domestic disturbance dispute in 2022, were pushed back for later scheduling. Both are set to appear in court on Nov. 2.