Denver Man Sentenced To 89 Months After Pleading Guilty to Drug and Firearms Charges

DENVER - The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Colorado announces that Christopher Epperson, 56, of Denver, was sentenced to 89 months in prison after pleading guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

According to the plea agreement and facts established at sentencing, between July and August 2025, Epperson, who was at the time an eight-time convicted felon with prior convictions for burglary, aggravated robbery, domestic assault, attempted discharge of an illegal firearm, and felony menacing with a real/simulated weapon, and currently on federal supervised release for a prior felon in possession of firearm and ammunition conviction, was seen by law enforcement selling drugs to multiple people. On August 13, 2025, when law enforcement tried to stop Epperson, he ran from police and, while he was running, threw a bag he was carrying on his person. Law enforcement retrieved and searched the bag and found 54.7 grams of fentanyl, 13.55 grams of cocaine base, and 102.5 grams of methamphetamine. Law enforcement also found other drug dealing paraphernalia and $9,106 in cash. Epperson was ultimately arrested and his car was subsequently searched. Inside the car, law enforcement found a loaded firearm. As part of his plea, Epperson admitted to possessing the fentanyl, meth, and cocaine base with the intent to sell them for human consumption. Epperson also admitted he possessed the loaded firearm to further his drug-trafficking activities.

"The sentencing of this repeat offender is another step in our ongoing efforts to safeguard Colorado communities," said United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Peter McNeilly. "We are committed to putting violent drug dealers behind bars."

"Fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine continue to be trafficked and distributed in our region, and these illegal drugs continue to destroy lives and ruin communities," said Drug Enforcement Administration Rocky Mountain Field Division Special Agent in Charge Mark Putnam. "Our thanks to the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Colorado, and our other investigative partners in getting Epperson a lengthy sentence."

Senior United States District Judge William J. Martinez presided over the sentencing.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Denver Police Department handled the investigation.

Assistant United States Attorney Miles Robinson handled the prosecution.

Case Number: 25-cr-245-WJM