2 sentenced in southern Colorado fentanyl overdose deaths

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) -Two suspects arrested in connection with an investigation into two fentanyl overdose deaths in 2022 were sentenced after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute a substance containing fentanyl, according to the Colorado U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO).

26-year-old Thomas Galiano III was sentenced to 12 years in prison, and 26-year-old Hailee Anne Helton was sentenced to 14 years in prison.

The investigation began in 2022 when USAO said Colorado Springs police officers responded to the Mountain View Apartment Homes on West Meadow Drive to find a 31-year-old man. According to officials, a blue M-30 pill found at the scene tested positive for fentanyl.

Officials said the officers collected evidence, including CashApp payments and social media communications that suggested Helton and Galiano sold him the drugs.

In October of that same year, USAO said Pueblo County deputies responded to a home on Park Road in Rye for a report of an unresponsive 18-year-old female. At the scene, officials said a bag was found with three blue M-30 printed pills inside. The pills tested positive for fentanyl. More electronic evidence was found at that home, reportedly connecting Helton and Galiano to the death.

According to the USAO, undercover Colorado Springs police officers then got in contact with Helton and Galiano later that month, successfully purchasing 16 fentanyl pills for $150.

Helton and Galiano were arrested by Colorado Springs police in January 2024.