


Man takes plea deal in human trafficking case
A Longmont man who reportedly provided drugs and vapes to minors in 2023 in exchange for sexual acts entered a plea deal Thursday.
Fernando Pacheco, 20, was initially arrested Nov. 22, 2023, and had since been charged with two counts of human trafficking of a minor for sexual servitude, sexual assault of a child and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
He pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of human trafficking of a minor for sexual servitude, according to court records. Upon entering the plea, the remaining charges were dismissed.
Officials said Pacheco and codefendant Angel Gomez Rubio, 23, reportedly provided drugs and vapes to middle and high school-aged students in exchange for money and sexual acts.
Gomez Rubio was sentenced to 97 years in prison after pleading guilty March 13 to 10 counts of human trafficking of a minor for sexual servitude; five counts of attempted sexual assault; four counts of second-degree assault; and distribution of marijuana to a minor.
Officials said the investigation included the use of records and evidence obtained from multiple search warrants for social media, banks and phone companies.
Pacheco is set for sentencing June 5 and is currently being held in custody on a $100,000 bond.
WELD COUNTY
County seeks applicants for Redistricting Advisory Committee
Weld County is seeking applicants for the nine-member Redistricting Advisory Committee that will be charged with developing county commissioner districts in accordance with state law and the Weld County Home Rule Charter.
This committee is being formed in response to the recent unanimous decision from the Colorado Supreme Court that the county improperly redistricted in March 2023.
The county commissioners will need to complete the redistricting process and adopt a district map that is in accordance with state law ahead of Weld’s next county commissioner election, which is in 2026.
By law, the committee must consist of an equal number of registered Democratic, Republican and unaffiliated or third-party voters.
This volunteer committee will have assistance from nonpartisan county staff to help answer questions and provide tools, such as GIS maps, to help it reach its goal.
Residents who are interested in applying must submit an application by 5 p.m. Monday, April 14.
For further information and the application form, go to bit.ly/4lniW9R.
— Staff reports