California Men Sentenced for String of Robberies, Thefts in Colorado

Published on June 04, 2026

GREELEY, Colo. (Weld County D.A.) - Two California men will spend several decades behind bars for their roles in a series of robberies and thefts at dispensaries throughout Colorado during the summer of 2023.

Antonio Deray Darnell, 36, and Gabriel Angel Sanchez, 32, were sentenced following their convictions for crimes stemming from five separate incidents that occurred throughout the Front Range, including the robbery of an Empyreal Logistics employee outside High Plainz Strains Dispensary in Garden City on July 7, 2023.

All five incidents were charged and prosecuted in Weld County.

The defendants targeted cash couriers making scheduled pickups at businesses.

In the Garden City incident, the courier was carrying a case containing approximately $67,000 when the defendants confronted him in the parking lot.

During the robbery, the defendants forcibly took the cash and fled the scene in a waiting vehicle.

In February, a Weld County jury convicted both defendants of three counts of robbery, four counts of theft, and one count of attempted theft. In total, the defendants stole more than $116,000 during the five incidents.

On May 19, Weld County District Court Judge Vincente Vigil sentenced both defendants to 30 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections.

"Two convicted felons from California believed they could evade justice through their cash-courier robbery schemes across Colorado, but a joint ATF and Garden City Police investigation tracked them to Arizona and halted their operation," ATF Special Agent in Charge Chris Ashbridge said. "Strong partnerships are the cornerstone to carrying out the ATF mission in combatting violent crime, and this investigation is a prime example of the success those partnerships deliver. We are incredibly grateful for everyone who assisted in this investigation, including the Weld County District Attorney's Office for their willingness to dedicate the immense time and resources required to secure this successful prosecution and protect our communities."

Chief Deputy District Attorney Steve Wrenn prosecuted this case.