News Release

January 22, 2025 Contact: Matt Jablow, 720-913-9025

Prosecutors Charge Jaime Chavez-Calix with Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Death

DENVER — Denver District Attorney John Walsh today announced that Jaime Chavez-Calix has been charged with Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Death, a Class 1 felony.

It is alleged that, on November 16, 2024, Chavez-Calix sold fentanyl to 30 year-old Manuella Contrera Caravio, who was found deceased the next day in the backseat of a car in southwest Denver.

“Ms. Caravio’s tragic death highlights the fact that there is still much work to be done in the fight against fentanyl in Denver. I am committed to using every resource and tool available to prosecute and hold accountable those who spread this poison throughout our community.  I want to thank the prosecutors in my office and the detectives with the Denver Police Department’s Fentanyl Investigation Team whose outstanding work led to these charges,” said DA Walsh.

“The Denver Police Fentanyl Investigative Team was created to investigate those who provide dangerous and deadly drugs within our community,” said Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas. “Thanks to our partnership with the Denver District Attorney’s Office, we are pleased that the alleged dealer of this deadly substance was identified and charged for their role in the death of Manuella Contreras Caravio. Our hearts go out to her family and all those who have lost loved ones to fentanyl.”

About the Denver DA’s Office:

Our mission is to professionally and competently prosecute crimes and investigate criminal activity on behalf of the people of Colorado, and to seek equal justice for all in the criminal justice system. Our mission also includes preventing and deterring crimes; supporting victims; participating in the community; being transparent and accountable; and improving the criminal justice system to provide fair alternatives to incarceration in appropriate cases.

-30-