Deportee lands in jail - again

Federal agents and an Aspen police officer Thursday arrested one of the men convicted and deported as result of this winter's drug sting at two local restaurants.

Two agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and an officer with the Aspen Police Department arrested Jesus Gabriel Soto Sandoval at Campo de Fiori in Aspen.

APD Sgt. Bill Linn said Soto Sandoval was in possession of "multiple containers" of cocaine at the time of his arrest. The suspect was working in the kitchen at the popular Italian restaurant.

He was originally arrested on Dec. 5 while working at Little Annie's Eating House. He pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine on Jan. 27 and was deported to Mexico on Feb. 14.

Linn said Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials contacted the police department after learning of Soto Sandoval's return to the area.

He was arrested without incident Thursday and charged with possession of a Schedule II substance with intent to distribute. The suspect also faces federal felony charges for re-entering the country after deportation.

Soto Sandoval first must answer to the drug charges before being remanded to Immigration and Customs Enforcement to face the federal charges.

Linn said the Aspen Police Department would be following up with managers at Campo de Fiori. He declined to speculate whether the restaurant will face legal penalties for hiring Soto Sandoval but wouldn't rule the possibility out.

Cooper Street Pier, one of two restaurants involved in last December's sweep lost its liquor license for a month. Little Annie's is currently fighting to prevent the suspension of its liquor license.

"Today's actions weren't a result of an investigation into Campo de Fiori," Linn said. "We were investigating Soto Sandoval."