A jailhouse phone call from a man to his police officer ex-wife tipped off authorities that the couple was hoarding heroin and drug money in their Pueblo apartment, according to a press release from the United States attorney’s office.

Former Walsenburg police officer Gloria Suazo, 32, was sentenced last week to five years in federal prison and three years of supervised release for aiding and abetting possession of heroin with intent to distribute.

Suazo’s husband, Jeromy, 33, called her from Pueblo County Jail after he was arrested on suspicion of possessing a gun as a felon, the release states. Police were monitoring the call and searched the Suazos’ Pueblo home, where they found cash and heroin. Gloria Suazo was later arrested and pleaded guilty on Oct. 29.

The day after Suazo pleaded guilty to the federal charges, while out on bond, she was arrested while allegedly selling cocaine in the presence of her children.

“When a government official abuses his or her position to provide cover for illegal conduct, we will hold that official responsible,” U.S. Attorney John Walsh said in a statement. “In this case a sworn law enforcement officer chose to help her ex-husband instead of following her legal law enforcement obligations, and for that she will now be incarcerated.”

Gloria Suazo is due in court on Thursday for her first appearance in the state case, court records show.

–

Contact Kassondra Cloos: 636-0362

Twitter: @Kassondra Cloos