Source: US FBI
DENVER – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Eugene Edwards, 57, and Destiny Benjamin, 30, of Colorado Springs have been charged by criminal complaint with a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl which resulted in the death of a 15-year-old girl.
According to court documents, Edwards allegedly distributed fentanyl pills to a juvenile female who later died as a result of fentanyl intoxication. On June 7, 2025, the Colorado Springs Police Department and emergency medical services responded to a report of an unresponsive female who was declared deceased upon their arrival. Investigators found nine blue pills with the markings “M” and “30” on them, wrapped in a receipt that was later linked directly to Edwards.
According to the criminal complaint, a search of the victim’s phone revealed she arranged to meet Edwards the night before her death to buy pills at an elementary school in Colorado Springs. Surveillance video and license plate reader footage confirmed Edwards’ car at and near the school. About an hour later, video captured the victim outside her home smoking what appeared to be fentanyl. She died shortly after.
Edwards, who has multiple prior felony convictions for drug offenses, robbery, and burglary, was arrested on June 13, 2025, after investigators found suspected fentanyl and methamphetamine in his vehicle, including ten fentanyl pills wrapped in a receipt. During an interview with law enforcement, Edwards said he obtained the fentanyl pills that he had that evening from a female who was later identified as codefendant Destiny Benjamin.
The criminal complaint further alleges that historical cell phone records and text messages between Edwards and Benjamin outline an unlawful relationship based on the exchange of money for drugs—including fentanyl and methamphetamine. Edwards told investigators his only current source of supply for fentanyl pills was Benjamin.
Benjamin was also arrested on June 13, 2025. Law enforcement seized fentanyl, methamphetamine, and a loaded handgun from her at the time of her arrest. Benjamin told investigators she provided illegal narcotics to Edwards.
Edwards and Benjamin made their initial appearance in Federal Court in Denver on Monday July 28, 2025, where they were advised by a United States Magistrate Judge of the charge pending against them.
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, resulting in death, carries a potential penalty of no less than 20 years and up to life in prison, a fine of no more than $1,000,000, and no less than three years of supervised release.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Colorado Springs Police Department Metro, Vice, Narcotics, and Intelligence (MVNI) Unit, and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office participated in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alyssa Christine Mance and Alexander Duncan are handling the prosecution.
The charge in the criminal complaint is an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Case Number: 25-MJ-00145-CYC