Jason Wahlstrom was sentenced today to 20 years to the Colorado Department of Corrections, for distributing fentanyl which resulted in the death of a 27-year-old man in October 2023. The 8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office secured Wahlstrom's guilty plea to Fentanyl Distribution Causing Death, a Class 1 Drug Felony on August 28, 2024. 

On October 3rd, 2023, the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office responded to a male who had overdosed in a camper trailer where he was living, he was found by his aunt and uncle.  An investigation began to discover how the victim obtained the drugs that ended his life. Evidence was found that Mr. Wahlstrom had sold the lethal dose of fentanyl that led to his death. This exchange happened less than a quarter mile from an elementary school.

The prosecution team was led by Senior Deputy District Attorney, Lynzi Maas who has handled all fentanyl resulting in death cases within the 8th Judicial District.

“It is clear that Mr. Walhstrom has a substance abuse disorder and has struggled with addiction since he was a teenager,” DDA Maas stated. “But this case is not about his addiction, or his use of drugs, the heart of the case is his willingness to engage others in this dangerous drug.”

The 8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office and Larimer County law enforcement agencies have put significant resources into finding justice for victims of fentanyl-related overdoses and their families. The Larimer County inter-agency collaboration has allowed for a higher level of dedication in targeting the dealers responsible for killing members of our communities. This collaborative model has served as a model for positive partnerships for districts around the state.

Our office has also prioritized internal diversionary programs, work on the Larimer Opioid Abatement Council, and collaboration with community partners to increase access to treatment and education as we address behavioral health through a focus on root causes of crime.

The District Attorney’s Office extends our sincere appreciation to the Northern Colorado Drug Task Force (NCDTF), the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, and the Larimer County Coroner’s Office for their roles in the investigation.

"This case marks the fourth Fentanyl Resulting in Death case sentenced in the 8th Judicial District, one of the highest in the State of Colorado," said DA Gordon McLaughlin.

"That is not because we have more fentanyl use, but rather a collaborative approach in tackling these cases. As Fentanyl overdose deaths have continued to rise in our state, Larimer County deaths have begun to decrease, which is in no small part to the expectation that these investigations and resolutions have set. I am proud of the members of our team and the law enforcement agencies they work closely with to bring justice to these families."

For more information on overdose deaths in Larimer County visit: https://www.larimer.gov/bocc/regional-opioid-abatement-council#/list/

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is available:

SummitStone Health Partners: 970-494-4200

Colorado Opioid Synergy Larimer & Weld (CO-SLAW): 1-844-944-7529

SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-487-4889

Connect Effect Colorado: www.connecteffectc.org/parents