A Denver man, 21-year-old Genero Zuniga, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for his role in a string of marijuana dispensary burglaries. Zuniga pleaded guilty to three felony charges, including organized crime, second-degree burglary, and robbery, after being arrested in December. He was part of a crime group that stole cars and used them to burglarize over 40 marijuana dispensaries in the Denver area, resulting in the theft of nearly $800,000 in cash and property.
The crime group, which consisted of 23 people, was responsible for five armed robberies, 21 burglaries, and 11 attempted burglaries. Zuniga’s plea deal dropped 84 additional charges, including multiple counts of burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft.
The crime spree occurred between September 2022 and November 2023, with the group targeting marijuana dispensaries, federal firearms licensees, and other businesses. The Denver District Attorney’s Office said that the group’s actions caused significant financial loss and disrupted the businesses and communities affected.
Zuniga’s sentence is a result of a plea deal, which was likely negotiated to avoid a longer sentence. His co-conspirators are still facing trial, and it is unclear what sentences they may receive if convicted. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of law enforcement’s efforts to combat organized crime and protect the community from criminal activity.
