Nicholas Athanasiou, ex-prosecutor, among eighty busted in massive cocaine ring

The slogan featured prominently on attorney Nicholas Athanasiou's website reads, "When Everything Seems Against You, Call Us!" Well, Athanasiou may want to give himself a ring about now. He's among eighty individuals accused of being part of a huge cocaine ring -- one shuttered in what authorities are calling the...

By Michael Roberts

February 10, 2012

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The slogan featured prominently on attorney Nicholas Athanasiou's website reads, "When Everything Seems Against You, Call Us!" Well, Athanasiou may want to give himself a ring about now. He's among eighty individuals accused of being part of a huge cocaine ring -- one shuttered in what authorities are calling the largest drug take-down in Colorado history thanks to raids on 97 homes.

According to CBS4, Athanasiou was a member of the El Paso County district attorney's office from 1996-2000 before opening his own practice. His mug shot can be seen in the top row of the image below, with a black circle over his face.

According to authorities, who held a news conference about the busts yesterday, the roots of the investigation can be traced to several 2009 bank robberies attributed to thieves dubbed the Hopping Hooded Bandits, due to their proclivity for hopping over tellers, counters, etc., during their heists.

The haul in addition to the eighty arrestees, as calculated by the U.S. Attorney's Office: twelve weapons, including an SKS assault rifle, AR-15 assault rifle and handguns; $415,140 in cash; 26,129 grams of cocaine; 1,000 grams of crack; and one pound of methamphetamine. As a bonus, some 25 alleged gang members and associates have been charged in bank robberies. Moreover, twelve kids swept up in yesterday's raids are now in the custody of protective services.

Look below to see the CBS4 report, followed by photos of seized material provided by the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Page down to see more photos. Follow and like the Michael Roberts/Westword Facebook page.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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