Utah Department of Public Safety

Rio Grande Search Warrant Served in Ogden

On September 12 at 1:30 p.m., officers with the Department of Public Safety’s State Bureau of Investigation, Weber Morgan Narcotics Strike Force, Utah Adult Probation and Parole, and Ogden Police served a warrant at a home in Ogden.

This warrant was based on narcotic and other criminal behavior directly resulting from intelligence gathered through Operation Rio Grande. Intelligence gave officers evidence that narcotics were being possessed and distributed from the home. The warrant led to the arrest of  two individuals and the recovery of two firearms, more than $53,000, 12 grams of meth, half pound of heroin, 1 gram of cocaine and drug paraphernalia. This was one of 7 DPS warrant operations for Operation Rio Grande.

“Through diligent police work by DPS officers and our partnering agencies, we are disrupting drug dealers and their operations,” said Commissioner Keith Squires of the Department of Public Safety.  “This is a great example of how intelligence and a close partnership with Chief Watt and the Ogden City Police Department and the Weber Morgan Narcotics Strike Force leads to the arrests of dangerous criminals operating in our communities.”

Chris Espinoza was booked on a probation violation and was charged with two counts of possession of a dangerous weapon, possession with the intent to distribute and child endangerment. His wife, Sonya Espinoza, was charged with child endangerment and other pending charges.

This is an active investigation. More information will be released as if becomes available.