STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-January 19, 2026-The All Crimes Enforcement Team (ACET), in collaboration with the Steamboat Springs Police Department, Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Gore Range Narcotics Interdiction Team, Avon Police Department, Summit County Sheriff’s Office, and Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office (California), has concluded months-long investigations into fentanyl distribution that resulted in the deaths of two Steamboat Springs residents. Out of respect and compassion for the victims’ families, their names are being withheld.
In mid-September, Steamboat Springs Police Officers responded to an unattended death at a local residence. Investigators suspected a fentanyl-related overdose. Following an extensive investigation, law enforcement identified a suspect responsible for distributing illicit substances containing fentanyl, which was determined to be the proximate cause of the victim’s death.
On December 18, 2025, ACET—alongside CBI, Gore Range Narcotics Interdiction Team, and Avon Police Department—executed search and arrest warrants in Avon, Colorado. Benjamin Tabor, 48, was arrested and charged with Class 1 Drug Felonies for distribution causing death, the most severe drug felony under Colorado law. Tabor and his wife, Leslie Edwards, face additional felony charges after evidence of continued controlled substance distribution was discovered during the search.
In early October, Steamboat Springs Police Officers responded to another suspected fentanyl overdose at a local residence. A separate investigation identified Nathan Zabik and Matthew Bentley as conspirators in the distribution of fentanyl-laced substances resulting in death.
On January 7, 2026, ACET, with assistance from CBI and the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, apprehended Nathan Zabik, 44, in Breckenridge, Colorado. Zabik faces Class 1 Drug Felonies for distribution resulting in death, as well as additional felony charges related to terroristic mass casualty threats made in Summit County.
On January 16, 2026, ACET, working with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office in California, executed search and arrest warrants in Riverbank, California, resulting in the arrest of Matthew Bentley, 37. Bentley faces Class 1 Drug Felonies for unlawful distribution of controlled substances containing fentanyl resulting in death.
ACET is a multi-jurisdictional task force comprised of officers and deputies from the Steamboat Springs Police Department, Routt County Sheriff’s Office, Craig Police Department, and Moffat County Sheriff’s Office. Its primary mission is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle drug-trafficking organizations.
Law enforcement agencies remain committed to aggressively enforcing drug laws in Northwest Colorado and urge residents to report suspected illegal drug activity to local authorities.
All persons accused of crimes are presumed innocent until and unless their guilt is established beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
-WeServeTheCity-
Contact
Email Chrisitan Barnett, Steamboat Springs Police Detective – ACET Task Force Officer or call 970-879-1144
Email Mark Beckett, Steamboat Springs Police Chief, or call 970-879-4344
Email Michael Lane, Marketing & Communications Manager, or call 970-871-8220