October 23, 2025 – Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office officials report that in early September, Tuolumne Narcotics Team (TNT) Detectives launched an investigation into fentanyl sales in Tuolumne County. The case developed from information uncovered during previous TNT investigations and an anonymous tip from a concerned community member. As part of the investigation, TNT Detectives conducted an undercover surveillance operation.

During the operation, detectives observed 30-year-old Nathan William Buckman conduct a hand-to-hand drug transaction with 65-year-old Lea Lacreshia Pate and 62-year-old Brien Davis Utecht. Following the transaction, detectives detained all three individuals and seized the fentanyl Buckman had sold. Buckman was arrested for the sale of fentanyl and transported to Dambacher Detention Center (DDC). Pate and Utecht were cited and released for possession of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia.

Shortly afterward, TNT Detectives authored and served a search warrant at Buckman’s residence on North Airport Road in Columbia. During the warrant service, 56-year-old Andrew John Aparicio was detained. Inside the residence, detectives found approximately 80.9 grams of fentanyl, 49.2 grams of methamphetamine, 28.6 grams of black tar heroin, cash, drug packaging materials—including individually packaged quantities of fentanyl—drug paraphernalia, and other items consistent with drug sales. Through their investigation, detectives learned that Aparicio routinely purchased fentanyl from the San Francisco area and transported it back to the residence in Tuolumne County.

At the conclusion of the investigation, Aparicio and Buckman were placed under arrest and booked on charges related to the sales and transportation of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin. In addition, both were charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and possession of drug paraphernalia. Buckman was also found to be in possession of metal knuckles. Based on the total weight of fentanyl seized during the investigation, both men qualify for a three-year sentencing enhancement (an increase to their total potential sentence) under California Proposition 36.

We sincerely thank the community member who provided the anonymous tip. We encourage anyone with information about drug sales in Tuolumne County to contact the TNT Tip Line at (209) 533-5884.

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Source & photo: Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office