Milliken Woman Convicted of Fentanyl Distribution Resulting in Fort Collins Man's Death

A jury found a Milliken woman guilty November 1 of distributing fentanyl that killed a Fort Collins man, marking the fifth successful prosecution for fentanyl-related death in the 8th Judicial District since Colorado enhanced penalties for drug dealers whose products prove fatal.

Brittney Mortimer faces between 12 and 32 years in prison after being convicted of distribution of a controlled substance causing death, a class one drug felony, along with three additional drug distribution charges involving fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Fort Collins Police Services discovered Edward Dzienowski dead in his apartment in February 2025 during a welfare check requested by his family. An autopsy determined Dzienowski died from a fentanyl overdose.

Investigation Links Dealer to Victim Through Text Messages

Fort Collins Police Services launched an investigation with assistance from the Northern Colorado Drug Task Force and the District Attorney's Office to identify who supplied the fatal drugs. The multi-agency investigation revealed Mortimer sold drugs to Dzienowski on four separate occasions beginning in mid-February 2025, including the day he died.

Investigators recovered text messages between Mortimer and Dzienowski arranging the drug sales, providing critical evidence linking the distribution to the fatal overdose.

The Northern Colorado Drug Task Force is a multi-agency partnership covering Larimer and Weld Counties that combines resources from Fort Collins Police Services, Larimer County Sheriff's Office, Weld County Sheriff's Office, Loveland Police Department, Greeley Police Department, Colorado State Patrol and federal partners including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The task force has operated for over two decades investigating drug offenses including fentanyl distribution.

Conviction Carries Maximum 32-Year Sentence

Distribution of a controlled substance causing death is classified as a Level 1 drug felony under Colorado Revised Statutes Section 18-18-405, the most serious drug offense classification in the state. Mortimer faces 12 to 32 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections and up to a $1 million fine for that charge.

The three additional class three drug felony convictions each carry sentences of three to six years and fines up to $500,000.

Colorado law requires prosecutors to prove the distributed drug was the proximate cause of death, establishing a direct link between the defendant's actions and the fatal overdose. The enhanced penalties reflect legislative efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis by holding dealers accountable when their products kill customers.

An additional co-defendant in the case has not yet been tried and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

District Leads State in Fatal Distribution Prosecutions

District Attorney Gordon McLaughlin emphasized the significance of the conviction in addressing Northern Colorado's overdose crisis.

"This case represents our fifth successful conviction for Fentanyl Resulting in Death prosecution in the 8th Judicial District—one of the highest numbers in the State of Colorado," McLaughlin said. "I commend our team and our law enforcement partners for their tireless work in presenting this case to a jury and pursuing justice for Mr. Dzienwoski and his family. We will continue to pursue justice for victims of the fentanyl epidemic and hold those killing members of our community accountable."

The 8th Judicial District, which covers Larimer and Jackson Counties, has achieved five convictions for distribution causing death as of November 2025. Such convictions remain relatively rare statewide due to the complex evidentiary requirements needed to establish proximate cause beyond reasonable doubt.

Larimer County has experienced sharp increases in fentanyl-related overdose deaths in recent years, mirroring statewide trends. Approximately 12.3 opioid overdose deaths per 100,000 residents occurred in Larimer County in 2024, according to state health data.

Sentencing for Mortimer is scheduled for January 5 at 3 p.m. in Courtroom 3B at the Larimer County Justice Center.