On March 13, Angel Gomez Rubio was sentenced to 97 years in prison after pleading guilty to 21 charges, including 10 counts of Trafficking for Sexual Servitude. Gomez Rubio targeted middle and high school-aged students to provide them drugs and vapes in exchange for sexual acts.
He was arrested in November of 2023 after a joint-investigation by the Longmont Police Department, the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, and the District Attorney’s Office. The arrest occurred in Texas after Gomez Rubio returned from a trip to Mexico.
Fernando Pacheco, a 20-year-old man, is a co-defendant and his case is still ongoing. He was also arrested in November of 2023 and currently awaits an April 10 arraignment as he is held on a $100,000 bond.
The two men provided drugs — psilocybin mushrooms, MDMA, marijuana and vapes — to minors in Boulder County and nearby areas. The reports indicate the men interacted with young girls between the ages of 12 and 15.
Gomez Rubio was charged with 55 counts related to 13 minor-aged victims, including a special offender charge. The special offender charge indicates that Gomez Rubio was displaying a firearm while he was dealing drugs, which is a level 1 drug felony in Colorado. “Through continued and diligent investigation and a trauma-informed and victim centered approach to this human trafficking investigation, additional victims felt safe in coming forward to report the abuse they suffered at the hands of Angel Gomez-Rubio,” a Boulder County press release said.
The other charges included kidnapping, internet luring of a child, money laundering, and distribution of marijuana.
“The sentencing in this case provides justice to the victims and reflects the dedication and collaboration of law enforcement agencies in Boulder County,” Boulder County Sheriff Curtis Johnson said. “Addressing crimes against children requires a thorough and coordinated effort, and I appreciate the hard work of our investigators, the Longmont Police Department, and the District Attorney’s Office in bringing this case to a resolution.”
Michael Dougherty, district attorney for the 20th judicial district, said 97 years in state prison is an appropriate sentence for a man who preyed upon middle and high-school aged students. “He used drugs and vapes to lure kids in and then coerce them into sexual acts,” he said. “This sentence was made possible by the outstanding team effort that went into this extensive investigation and prosecution. I am grateful to the Longmont Police Department, the Sheriff’s Office, and our DA team for fighting for justice for these young victims.”
