Chaffee County Drug Task Force Investigation Culminates in Arrests

Beginning in December of 2020, the Chaffee County Drug Task Force initiated a series of drug investigations that continued over several weeks.

The culmination of these investigations resulted in the arrest of numerous individuals involved in the distribution of illegal controlled substances, to include methamphetamine and heroin.

Seven known dealers were arrested and charged in this operation, and other individuals were charged with use and possession of controlled substances.

• Buena Vista resident Jeannie Lynn Blackwell, aged 61, was arrested and charged with Distribution of Controlled Substances, a drug felony 3, and Possession of Methamphetamine, a drug misdemeanor 2.
• Buena Vista area resident Clayton James Fisher, aged 55, was arrested and charged with Distribution of Controlled Substances, a drug felony 3, and Possession of Methamphetamine, a drug misdemeanor 2.
• Jewell Marie Jump, aged 22, of Colorado Springs, was arrested in Salida and charged with Distribution of Controlled Substances, a drug felony 3, and Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance, a drug felony 2.
• Buena Vista area resident Troy Elliot Whitmore, aged 32, was arrested and charged with Distribution of Controlled Substances, a drug felony 3, as well as other charges.
• Salida resident William Curtis Pitney, aged 39, was arrested and charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, a drug misdemeanor 2, Possession of Heroin, a drug misdemeanor 2, and Distribution of Controlled Substances, a drug felony 3.
• Buena Vista area resident Cameron Gordenair, aged 22, was arrested and charged with Distribution of Controlled Substances, a drug felony 3 to drug felony 4, as amended, Possession of Methamphetamine, a drug misdemeanor 2, and Accessory to Commit a Felony, a class 4 felony.
• Salida resident Franklin Lee Richardt, aged 33, was arrested and charged with Distribution of Controlled Substances, a drug felony 3.

The Chaffee County Drug Task Force is comprised of members of the Buena Vista Police Department, the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Salida Police Department. Numerous law enforcement resources were used in these operations, to include the Chaffee County Combined Tactical Team, and the Buena Vista Police K9, Thor.