On September 10th, 2025, at approximately 10:39PM Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Bryant Young made a traffic stop in Poncha Springs, CO/ Chaffee County. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Nicholas Hepworth age 43 from Alamosa, CO. During the traffic stop, Deputy Young not only observed signs that Hepworth was intoxicated but that he also had a white crystalized substance (like crumbs) on the exterior of his shirt consistent with being methamphetamine.
Hepworth was taken into custody for suspicion of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs. During a search of Hepworth’s vehicle brass knuckles were found along with 221 grams (half pound) of methamphetamine and 475 fentanyl pills.
Hepworth was transported to the Chaffee County Detention Center where he will be held on a $50,000.00 cash only bond for the following charges:
C.R.S. 18-18-405(1)(a)(I)(B) Unlawful Distribution, Manufacturing, Dispensing or Sale of a Scheduled I or II substance (Fentanyl) (Drug Felony 1)
C.R.S. 18-18-405(1)(a)(I)(D) Unlawful Distribution, Manufacturing, Dispensing or Sale of a Scheduled I or II substance (Methamphetamine) (Drug Felony 1)
C.R.S. 42-4-1301(1)(a) Drove Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol Drugs or Both (Class 1 Misdemeanor)
C.R.S. 42-4-1101(1) Speeding 10-19MPH Over Posted Limit (Traffic Infraction A)
C.R.S. 18-12-102(1)(3) Possession of an Illegal Weapon (Class 5 Felony)
C.R.S. 42-2-206(1)(a) Drove Vehicle When License Revoked as a Habitual Traffic Offender (Class 2 Misdemeanor)
Hepworth is considered innocent until/ unless proven guilty in a court of law. At the time of the traffic stop Hepworth was out on bond for two different drug felony 1 cases out of Alamosa, CO.
“I am very proud of Deputy Young for his attention to detail. He got a dealer with a dangerous amount of illegal drugs off the streets of Chaffee County today.” -Sheriff Andy Rohrich
