A traffic stop led to a major drug bust, and now a 23-year prison sentence for Colorado Springs resident Michael Hemersbach, 36. 

Hemersbach pleaded guilty Nov. 7 in a Douglas County courtroom to possession with intent to manufacture or distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to manufacture or distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to manufacture or distribute cocaine and driving while impaired, according to a news release Monday from the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. 

Hemersback was pulled over by a Colorado State Patrol trooper, who noted his Chrysler 300 was repeatedly weaving while driving southbound on Interstate 25, near the Happy Canyon Road exit north of Castle Rock on July 13, 2023. 

The trooper conducting the traffic stop reported smelling the odor of marijuana from the vehicle. He said Hemersbach’s eyes appeared bloodshot and watery, and his speech seemed slow. 

Hemersbach failed the roadside sobriety tests, troopers said.

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A K-9 with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office was called to perform an “open air” sniff. The K-9 gave a positive alert to the presence of drugs inside the vehicle. Upon searching the car, troopers reported finding “large amounts” of cash, multiple cellphones, and small baggies of meth, cocaine and ketamine.

Authorities also found drugs stashed in a backpack, including 3 pounds of meth and nearly a pound of fentanyl pills and other items used for distribution.

“In addition to the vigilance of the Colorado State Patrol for spotting an impaired driver and taking him off the streets before he could injure someone, their efforts also helped us take another distributor of poison off the streets,” Deputy District Attorney Sherri Giger said. “This case highlights the fact that there is no such thing as a routine traffic stop. This impaired driving investigation likely saved many lives.”

This was Hemersbach’s third conviction for drug distribution and for driving while intoxicated according to the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s news release. Public records show he has also been charged with theft in the past. 

Sentencing for Hemersbach occurred on Nov. 27.

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