A Craig man is accused of possessing and attempting to distribute nearly 70 grams of methamphetamine, according to an arrest affidavit.

Lawrence Herrera, 51, was arrested just before 3 p.m. Wednesday by the All Crimes Enforcement Team and is charged with unlawful distribution of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The All Crimes Enforcement Team, consisting of officers from the Routt and Moffat county sheriff’s offices and the Steamboat, Craig and Hayden police departments, aims to “target the illegal possession and distribution of controlled substances and other crimes associated with these activities,” according to the All Crimes Enforcement Team agreement and memorandum of understanding.

Law enforcement officers, including Steamboat Springs and Craig police, went to Herrera’s residence in Craig around 2 p.m. Wednesday with a search warrant. After knocking “numerous times” they were eventually let into the residence by another woman who lives there, according to the affidavit.

Officers found Herrera in a bedroom of the residence, then placed him in handcuffs for “officers’ safety.” Law enforcement then conducted a pat search on Herrera after he was given a copy of the search warrant, according to the affidavit.

During the search, the team found $2,000 in cash in a locked nightstand, as well as a “clear glass jar containing 69.48 grams (net weight) of white crystalline rock substance, consistent with methamphetamine,” another 0.49 grams of “loose crystalline rock substance” and a digital scale, the document states.

The white substance and residue on the scale were later tested at an evidence lab, testing positive for meth, according to the affidavit.

The document further states that “69.48 net grams of methamphetamine along with an operational scale and large sums of cash … is indicative of possession with intent to distribute, dispense or (sell) and not indicative of personal use possession.”

During a Thursday court proceeding at the Moffat County Combined Courts, Moffat County Judge James Hesson recognized that Herrera has two previous convictions involving possession of illegal drugs, with one from 2023 and one from 2024.

Hesson also noted that he is concerned about the alleged crimes, stating that meth distribution is a “problem” in Craig and the amount of meth found presents a “community safety risk.”

According to Public Defender Abby Kurtz-Phelan, Herrera has lived at his current residence in Craig for about three years. She requested his bond be set at $500 cash only.

Ultimately, Hesson set Herrera’s bond at $15,000. As of Thursday afternoon, Herrera remained in the Moffat County Jail, but he stated that he expects to post the bond.

Hesson also issued a protection order in the case, protecting any witness or victim of the alleged crimes.

Herrera’s next court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday.

Editor’s note: Every person accused of a crime is presumed to be innocent unless and until their guilt is established beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.