Boulder County, Colo. - On Friday, November 7, 2025, Augustus Smith (DOB: 4/4/86) was arrested and charged with Unlawful Distribution of <4 grams of Fentanyl: Proximate Cause of Death (DF1).

The arrest follows an extensive investigation that began on August 8, 2024, when the victim, Benjamin Raniewicz, was found deceased outside his residence in Erie. He was last seen alive by family members on the evening of August 7, 2024. Based on the autopsy, the forensic pathologist determined that the cause of death was complications of acute fentanyl toxicity.

Investigators reviewed the victim’s phone and uncovered text message exchanges between the victim and this defendant, revealing a history of drug transactions. Messages from early August 2024 indicated that Mr. Smith had arranged for the victim to pick up fentanyl from his residence in Longmont on August 6, 2024, at approximately 4:35 p.m.

Our office asked for a $100,000 secured bond. The Court set a $100,000 cash or surety bond with a $10,000 cash only option.

District Attorney Michael Dougherty and this office strongly supported and participated in the work on the fentanyl bill in 2022 because of the need for stronger penalties for those who distribute fentanyl and, especially, those that cause deaths.

DA Michael Dougherty stated, “I appreciate all the work by the investigators and prosecutors on the significant investigation into the victim’s death. These investigations are complex and important; the investigators did an outstanding job with it. Fentanyl dealers should be held fully accountable for the destruction they inflict, and my office is committed to pursuing justice in this case. “

As in every criminal case, these charges are merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.