5 Lincoln students charged with trafficking drugs in schools

Published 7:07 pm Monday, October 30, 2017

This story has been updated with a statement from Lincoln County Superintendent Michael Rowe. 

STANFORD – A narcotics investigation by the Stanford Police Department has resulted in drug-trafficking charges against five Lincoln County students.

The investigation began last week after Stanford Police Officer Ryan Kirkpatrick was notified by School Resource Officer Linda Cook that multiple students were found in possession of pills.

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“Kirkpatrick launched an active investigation into the school system in an attempt to locate where these drugs are coming from,” said Police Chief Zach Middleton Monday morning. “During his investigation he discovered multiple suppliers in the student body of the middle school, (Lincoln County) high school and Fort Logan High School.”

Middleton said the investigation led to charges of second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (drug unspecified) and trafficking within 1,000 feet of a school against five Lincoln County students.

The investigation was a joint effort between the School Resource Officer Division, Lincoln County Schools administration and the Stanford Police Department’s Narcotics Division led by Kirkpatrick, Middleton said.

“The investigation will be ongoing for a while,” Middleton said. “Officer Kirkpatrick is doing exactly what we brought him here to do. We’re doing everything we can to protect kids from drugs.”

Lincoln County Superintendent Michael Rowe said Tuesday the school district continues to work with law enforcement to provide the safest environment for students.

“The alleged behavior of the students involved in this incident goes against not only state and federal law, but also district and school policies and the principles we have set — and strive together to maintain — for our students,” Rowe said. “Please rest assured we are taking this matter seriously.”