(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — Deputies from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) intercepted two attempts to smuggle a total of 27 fentanyl pills into the El Paso County Jail within three days, according to an EPSO announcement on Tuesday, August 6.

EPSO reported that Samantha Peterson was booked into the jail on multiple traffic charges and an outstanding warrant on Tuesday, July 23. She was offered the chance to surrender any contraband under Sheriff Roybal’s Contraband Reduction Drug Amnesty Program, but she refused. During intake, deputies discovered a foreign object inside her body. She later surrendered the object, which turned out to be three fentanyl pills.

Courtesy: El Paso County Sheriff’s Office

Courtesy: El Paso County Sheriff’s Office

On Friday, July 26, deputies booked Domenic Dangelo into the jail after he was arrested on unrelated warrants. He was also offered the opportunity to surrender contraband under the same program, and he also refused.

During his intake process, deputies found he was trying to conceal a foreign object, which he then surrendered. It contained 20 fentanyl pills, and four more pills were found on his property.

“From the start, I’ve made it clear: anyone bringing dangerous contraband into our jail will be held accountable. This latest success is a testament to the dedication of my deputies and professional staff in keeping the El Paso Jail safe by intercepting contraband,” said Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “Since I was sworn in as Sheriff in 2023, we’ve reduced contraband entry by 22%, and this year, we’re on track to achieve a 33% reduction. With upgraded scanners, the Contraband Reduction Drug Amnesty Program and diligent police work, we’re making a significant impact and ensuring accountability.”

Both Peterson and Dangelo were charged with the introduction of contraband, which can carry up to six years in the Colorado Department of Corrections.