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Steamboat Springs — Two Steamboat Springs men were arrested Thursday night on suspicion of felony charges of distribution of marijuana, as part of an ongoing investigation by the All Crimes Enforcement Team.

Justin David Baran, 21, was arrested at Third and Oak streets, where he was caught with what ACET Task Force Commander Garrett Wiggins called "a fairly large amount of marijuana." Wiggins declined to give specifics, but said the amount recovered was "large enough to be considered possible distribution."

The contact with Baran was initiated in the course of an ongoing marijuana investigation by ACET. Shortly after Baran's arrest, the Steamboat Springs Police Department arrested Curtis Reed Gregory, 26, on an outstanding warrant for distribution of marijuana.

Officers contacted Gregory on a traffic stop in the 2400 block of Lincoln Avenue, police Capt. Joel Rae said.

Wiggins issued the warrant for Gregory's arrest Thursday afternoon, and it was subsequently approved by county court Judge James Garrecht. According to the warrant, ACET used a confidential source in October to orchestrate the purchase of less than one ounce of marijuana from Gregory.

Gregory's criminal history includes prior marijuana and distribution violations, according to the warrant.

Wiggins declined to give any details on the ongoing investigation, saying it could compromise future arrests. He also declined to state how Baran and Gregory fit into the bigger picture.

"The investigation goes a lot deeper than these guys," Wiggins said. "Everything is a network. Everyone is connected at some point."

Unlawful distribution of marijuana, a Class 4 felony, could be punishable by 2 to 6 years in prison and as much as $500,000 in fines.

Baran and Gregory remained in custody Friday night at Routt County Jail. Bond for each man was set at $10,000 during their advisements Friday in Routt County Court.

- To reach Melinda Dudley, call 871-4203 or e-mail mdudley@steamboatpilot.com