Anthony Toovey, 28, was sentenced to 12 years in the Department of Corrections on Thursday after pleading guilty to multiple drug charges. Toovey appeared before Ninth Judicial District Court Judge John F. Neiley, who accepted his plea agreement.

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 during an investigation by the Garfield County Special Problem Enforcement and Response Task Force (SPEAR). The seizure occurred in June of 2023, during Toovey’s 118 days on parole.

Toovey faced multiple charges, each with severe penalties. He pleaded guilty to possession with intent to sell or distribute fentanyl, a Class 1 drug felony, and possession with intent to sell or distribute fentanyl in a lesser quantity, a Class 2 drug felony. Each charge carried a possible sentence of up to 32 and 16 years, respectively. However, under the plea agreement, Toovey will serve both sentences concurrently.

Judge Neiley expressed his disappointment in Toovey’s repeated offenses, despite efforts to get him into recovery programs.

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

Toovey’s history includes four arrests in 2023 alone. His criminal record also includes an open 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. “As much as I wish I could get less time, I think 12 years is probably fair.”

Neiley acknowledged Toovey’s statement, noting the seriousness of the charges.

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

The judge also waived Toovey’s drug offender surcharges and other fees, citing his indigent status.

District Attorney Virginia Sorrell supported the plea agreement, describing it as a fair outcome given Toovey’s repeated offenses.

“The people would ask the court to accept this plea,” Sorrell said. “It’s unfortunate that we are here, but reviewing the suite of cases, Mr. Toovey was on parole and continued to engage in fentanyl dealing.”

Toovey was credited with 322 days of presentence confinement. He will have the opportunity to participate in programs within the Department of Corrections aimed at rehabilitation and sobriety.

Neiley encouraged Toovey to take advantage of these programs.

“Maybe the Department of Corrections is not the fix globally,” Neiley said. “But maybe it can help you get your head on straight.”