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A tragic case out of Boulder, Colorado, underscores the complex realities of drug decriminalization and its unintended consequences. Benjamin Harmon, a 23-year-old Boulder resident, is behind bars following an investigation into his alleged sale of psychedelic mushrooms and marijuana to underage users—a chain of events that led to the death of 15-year-old Ames August O’Neal.
On June 20, O’Neal tragically fell from a construction crane on the University of Colorado-Boulder campus while reportedly under the influence of psilocybin mushrooms purchased from Harmon just days earlier. The Boulder County Coroner confirmed the presence of psilocin, the hallucinogenic compound in psychedelic mushrooms, in O’Neal’s system. CBS news site noted that his family, heartbroken by the loss, described Ames in an obituary as deeply loved and fiercely missed.
The fallout from this incident was swift. Investigators used O’Neal’s phone to contact Harmon, arranging a sting operation that resulted in his arrest on August 7. Harmon admitted to knowingly selling mushrooms to underage customers, marking the beginning of a broader investigation into his activities.
What authorities uncovered was deeply disturbing. Harmon’s Snapchat account revealed a pattern of drug sales to at least 20 high school students in Boulder County. Beyond selling mushrooms and marijuana, evidence also linked Harmon to heinous crimes, including sexual assault of a minor at gunpoint and possession of child sexual abuse materials. These revelations led to a staggering 40 criminal counts against him, 21 of which are felonies.
Harmon’s arrest comes against the backdrop of Colorado’s decision to decriminalize the possession and medical use of psychedelic mushrooms in 2022 for individuals aged 21 and older. While the state is one of only two in the nation to legalize psilocybin, federal law still classifies it as a Schedule 1 controlled substance. This case highlights the challenges of ensuring such substances are not misused, particularly by and against minors.
The construction site where O’Neal’s life ended—a hotel and conference center slated to open in 2025—serves as a haunting reminder of the devastating impact of drug misuse. For Boulder County law enforcement, the case is a stark call to action to protect vulnerable communities and prevent similar tragedies.
Harmon remains in custody at Boulder County Jail on a $2 million bond and faces a court hearing next week. Authorities continue to investigate his activities, urging anyone with information about his drug sales or potential victims to come forward.
This tragedy sheds light on the importance of education, regulation, and accountability in the era of drug decriminalization. As Colorado navigates the complex intersection of public health, legality, and safety, the memory of Ames O’Neal serves as a somber reminder of what’s at stake.
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