Pubdate: Wed, 4 Dec 2002
Source: Pueblo Chieftain (CO)
Copyright: 2002 The Star-Journal Publishing Corp.
Contact:  http://www.chieftain.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1613
Author: Patrick Malone, The Pueblo Chieftain
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)

MURDER SUSPECT FACES NEW COCAINE CHARGE

New drug charges have been filed against accused murderer Leroy Deshawn 
Bachicha in connection with a June traffic stop when police found more than 
8 ounces of cocaine in a car he was driving.

Bachicha, 19, has already been ordered to stand trial on charges of 
first-degree murder and aggravated robbery in connection with the Aug. 3 
shooting death of 18-year-old Dustin Valdez. Fernando Jose Villalobos faces 
the same charges related to Valdez's death.

At Bachicha's preliminary hearing, Villalobos was identified by police as 
the suspected shooter. Villalobos and Bachicha planned to swindle Valdez by 
selling him fake marijuana, according to police reports.

Both men are being held at Pueblo County Jail without bail.

Bachicha's new charges include distribution of cocaine and unlawful 
possession of the drug. Based on the quantity that police allege Bachicha 
was transporting, prosecutors also are seeking special offender status that 
would require a mandatory 4-year prison term if he is convicted.

Pueblo police Cpl. Tom Cody stopped a Ford sedan driven by Bachicha in the 
700 block of Jackson Street on June 10 because it's stereo system was 
audible as it passed.

Bachicha's juvenile brother was a passenger in the car. A stun gun 
belonging to Bachicha and a knife that his brother claimed to own were 
visible on the seat, according to Cody's report.

On the floor of the car was a black case that Bachicha said contained 
cocaine, a scale for weighing the drug and a substance commonly used to 
"cut" cocaine by reducing its potency and increasing its weight.

Bachicha told police he sold drugs because "It's fast money," according to 
Cody's report.
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