Fentanyl Overdose of 14-Month-Old Toddler Sparks Charges Against Five

Authorities have arrested five individuals in connection with a 14-month-old child’s overdose on fentanyl in Neola, Utah. The incident occurred on January 26, 2025, when the toddler stopped breathing for a significant period and had to be airlifted to Primary Children’s Hospital in Lehi. The child’s current condition remains unknown.

Arrests and Investigation

More than a week after the overdose, law enforcement took five suspects into custody as part of an ongoing child endangerment investigation. According to court records, all five individuals lived in the same home as the toddler. The suspects have been identified as:

Thomas David Montes, 63
Marcelino Junior Montes, 46
Esperanza Alberta Valdez, 44
Tamra Ann Colonna, 21
Chance Leo Montes, 20

Authorities say a sixth suspect fled to tribal land shortly after the overdose and remains under investigation.

Large Drug and Weapons Cache Found

During their search of the home, investigators discovered:

1,600 fentanyl pills (estimated street value: $20,000)
18 grams of marijuana
One gram of methamphetamine
Suboxone
Drug paraphernalia
Weapons, including a 7mm rifle, knives, crossbows, a taser, and ammunition

While conducting their search, deputies detained four of the suspects. When asked about the whereabouts of Valdez and the sixth individual, Thomas Montes claimed they were at another residence in Whiterocks. However, authorities later found Valdez hiding under a pile of blankets and pillows inside the home.

Criminal Charges

All five suspects have been formally charged in Duchesne County’s Eighth District Court. Their charges include drug distribution, child endangerment, possession of controlled substances, and illegal weapons possession.

Thomas David Montes

Drug distribution (second-degree felony)
Possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person (third-degree felony)
Obstruction of justice (Class A misdemeanor)
Reckless endangerment (Class A misdemeanor)
Controlled substance possession (Class A misdemeanor)
Drug paraphernalia possession (Class B misdemeanor)

Tamra Ann Colonna

Drug distribution (second-degree felony)
Reckless endangerment (Class A misdemeanor)
Obstruction of justice (third-degree felony)
Controlled substance possession (Class A misdemeanor)
Controlled substance possession (Class B misdemeanor)
Drug paraphernalia possession (Class B misdemeanor)

Marcelino Junior Montes

Drug distribution (second-degree felony)
Illegal possession of a dangerous weapon (two counts, third-degree felony)
Controlled substance possession (Class A misdemeanor)
Obstruction of justice (Class A misdemeanor)
Possession of a controlled substance in a correctional facility (Class A misdemeanor)
Additional drug-related charges (multiple misdemeanors)

Chance Leo Montes

Drug distribution (second-degree felony)
Illegal possession of a dangerous weapon (third-degree felony)
Obstruction of justice (Class A misdemeanor)
Reckless endangerment (Class A misdemeanor)
Controlled substance possession (Class A misdemeanor)
Additional drug-related charges (multiple misdemeanors)

Esperanza Alberta Valdez

Drug distribution (second-degree felony)
Possession of a controlled substance with a prior distribution conviction (third-degree felony)
Illegal possession of a dangerous weapon (two counts, third-degree felony)
Obstruction of justice (Class A misdemeanor)
Reckless endangerment (Class A misdemeanor)
Additional drug-related charges (multiple misdemeanors)

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities continue to investigate the case, including searching for the sixth suspect. As legal proceedings move forward, all five individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

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keelee-mccain

Keelee McCain is a junior at Weber High School. This is her second year on staff, this year as Assistant to the Chief. She does have a life (probably) but she can't think of anything to write in here, so she's probably just going to ramble now. She has an orange cat who she likes better than any human. If you see her being quiet or not sitting on top of a desk, there is something very wrong. In her free time she enjoys harassing her favorite teachers and sleeping. Her life plans include making it through high school and leaving. Happy lifeing.