Neola, Utah — Five individuals have been arrested after a 14-month-old toddler overdosed on fentanyl in a Neola, Utah home, sparking a child endangerment investigation. The overdose, which occurred on Sunday, January 26, resulted in the child being life-flighted to Primary Children’s Hospital in Lehi. Authorities have not disclosed the current condition of the toddler, though the child reportedly “stopped breathing for a substantial amount of time” due to the overdose.
Just over a week after the incident, investigators took five people into custody, all of whom were living in the same home as the toddler. The suspects—identified in court documents as Thomas David Montes, 63; Marcelino Junior Montes, 46; Esperanza Alberta Valdez, 44; Tamra Ann Colonna, 21; and Chance Leo Montes, 20—were arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into child endangerment.
Police say a search of the residence led to the discovery of 1,600 fentanyl pills, with an estimated street value of $20,000, as well as other illegal substances, including marijuana, methamphetamine, and suboxone. Deputies also seized a variety of weapons, including a 7mm rifle, crossbows, tasers, knives, and various rounds of ammunition. The authorities also found drug paraphernalia scattered throughout the home.
Upon entering the residence, law enforcement officials detained four of the suspects—Thomas Montes, Chance Montes, Tamra Colonna, and Marcelino Montes. When questioned about other occupants, they initially denied anyone else being present. However, Valdez was later found hiding beneath a pile of blankets and pillows inside the home. A sixth suspect allegedly fled the scene and is believed to have crossed into tribal jurisdiction.
All five arrested individuals face multiple charges, including distribution of a controlled substance and reckless endangerment. Specific charges for each suspect vary but generally include possession of drugs, weapons charges, and obstructing justice.
The following charges have been filed against the suspects:
Thomas David Montes:
- Distribution of a controlled substance (second-degree felony)
- Purchase, transfer, possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person (third-degree felony)
- Obstructing justice (Class A misdemeanor)
- Reckless endangerment (Class A misdemeanor)
- Possession of a controlled substance (Class A misdemeanor)
- Possession of drug paraphernalia (Class B misdemeanor)
Tamra Ann Colonna:
- Distribution of a controlled substance (second-degree felony)
- Reckless endangerment (Class A misdemeanor)
- Obstructing justice (third-degree felony)
- Possession of a controlled substance (Class A misdemeanor)
- Possession of drug paraphernalia (Class B misdemeanor)
Marcelino Junior Montes:
- Distribution of a controlled substance (second-degree felony)
- Possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person (third-degree felony)
- Obstructing justice (Class A misdemeanor)
- Possession of a controlled substance in a correctional facility (Class A misdemeanor)
- Possession of drug paraphernalia (Class B misdemeanor)
Chance Leo Montes:
- Distribution of a controlled substance (second-degree felony)
- Purchase, transfer, possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person (third-degree felony)
- Obstructing justice (Class A misdemeanor)
- Reckless endangerment (Class A misdemeanor)
- Possession of a controlled substance (Class A misdemeanor)
- Possession of drug paraphernalia (Class B misdemeanor)
Esperanza Alberta Valdez:
- Distribution of a controlled substance (second-degree felony)
- Possession of a controlled substance with prior distribution conviction (third-degree felony)
- Possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person (third-degree felony)
- Obstructing justice (Class A misdemeanor)
- Reckless endangerment (Class A misdemeanor)
- Possession of a controlled substance (Class B misdemeanor)
- Possession of drug paraphernalia (Class B misdemeanor)
The investigation continues, and authorities are working to locate the sixth suspect, who fled the scene after the overdose.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of fentanyl, a potent opioid that has been linked to an increasing number of overdose deaths in recent years. The discovery of such large quantities of fentanyl in the home underscores the significant threat posed by illicit drugs, not only to the individuals involved but also to innocent children living in the same environment.