On October 26, 2025, around 10:30 PM, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Patrol deputies conducted a traffic stop near 5510 S. Highway 85/87 in unincorporated El Paso County.
While contacting the vehicle’s occupants, deputies observed a piece of foil with burnt residue in plain sight. The driver, 26-year-old Juan Gonzales-Gomez, and passenger, 24-year-old Keri Shay, were removed from the vehicle and detained.
A vehicle search revealed several baggies containing narcotics, a scale, empty baggies, a ledger, and a large amount of cash.
Deputies located a firearm in Shay’s waistband, as well as fentanyl pills and drug paraphernalia. Gonzales-Gomez was also found in possession of crack cocaine.
An inventory of seized items included narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and over $5,800 in cash. The narcotics recovered included more than 200 fentanyl pills, Xanax pills, crack cocaine, PCP, methamphetamine, and heroin.
Juan Gonzales-Gomez and Keri Shay were transported to the El Paso County Jail.
Gonzales-Gomez was charged with:
- Special Offender
- Unlawful Distribution, Manufacturing, Dispensing, or Sale
- Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Introducing Contraband in the Second Degree
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Speed Limits (10–19 mph over)
He is being held on a $50,000 bond.
Shay was charged with:
- Special Offender
- Unlawful Distribution, Manufacturing, Dispensing, or Sale
- Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Tampering with Physical Evidence
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
She is being held on a $50,000 bond.
“The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office remains steadfast in our commitment to combat the distribution of dangerous narcotics and to bring those responsible to justice,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “I am proud of the vigilance and professionalism demonstrated by our deputies—each of whom works tirelessly to protect our neighborhoods and remove dangerous drugs and prolific offenders from our community. Their dedication reflects the highest standards of service, the enduring values of our Office, and our unwavering focus on mission.”
In Colorado, “special offender” is a designation given to defendants convicted of drug felonies under very serious circumstances.
