Boulder County, Colo. - This defendant has been sentenced to 50 years in the Department of Corrections, 30 years in the Department of Correction on the Distribution Resulting in Death count and a consecutive 20 years in the Department of Corrections on the remaining Drug Distribution charges.

In September of 2023, law enforcement responded to the tragic overdose death of Mr. Tyson Baker, whose body was found in his home in Boulder.

In the fall of 2023, the Boulder County Drug Task Force had already been investigating the defendant, Carlos Centeno-Izaguirre, for selling large quantities of fentanyl throughout Boulder County. Following the death of Mr. Baker, detectives thoroughly analyzed electronic and DNA evidence and determined the defendant also sold Mr. Baker the illicit fentanyl pill that ultimately killed him. Then, the Task Force executed a judicially-approved search warrant on the defendant’s residence and seized additional fentanyl pills, heroin, and cocaine.

On August 18, 2025, the defendant was set for a jury trial. Rather than go to trial, the defendant pled guilty to all counts. He pled guilty to Distribution of a Controlled Substance – Resulting in Death (DF1), Distribution of a Controlled Substance – Fentanyl (DF2), two counts of Special Offender (DF1), and related charges.

District Attorney Michael Dougherty stated, “This sentence reflects the serious consequences of the defendant’s drug dealing, especially the tragic loss of Mr. Baker’s life. In Boulder County, when a person dies from fentanyl, the Drug Task Force and our law enforcement partners launch an intensive investigation. Because of their efforts, our team was able to bring charges against this defendant and secure the just outcome.”

Deputy District Attorney Shannon Hautzinger stated, “I want to thank the Boulder County Drug Task force for their diligent work on the investigation as well as their continued investment throughout the pendency of the case. This case represents the tragic consequences of fentanyl distribution. I appreciate the Task Force’s commitment to thoroughly investigating fentanyl overdose death cases and working to hold those who profit from this incredibly dangerous drug accountable.”

“Sentences like this are exactly what drug dealers should receive when they come to our community and distribute poison that kills people,” Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn said. “I’m proud of the great work our detectives did on this investigation and how we worked together with the District Attorney’s Office to help achieve this result. Hopefully it will be a lesson to others not to come to Boulder and deal drugs because our officers will find you and hold you accountable for your actions.”