District of Wyoming
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Activity in the United States Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced HAROLD WAYNE WARREN, 51, of Spearfish, South Dakota on July 1, 2019 for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Warren was arrested in Sheridan, Wyoming. He received one hundred twenty months of imprisonment, to be followed by sixty months of supervised release. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated this case.
Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced MILES WILLIAM HYNNE, 53, on July 2, 2019 for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Hynne was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received one hundred fifty one months of imprisonment, to be followed by sixty months of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $250.00 and a $100.00 special assessment. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated this case.
Activity in the United States Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced JAMES MICHAEL FREY , 28, of Cheyenne, Wyoming on June 24, 2019 for access with intent to view child pornography. Frey was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received forty-one months of imprisonment, to be followed by sixty months of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $5000.00 and a $100.00 special assessment. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated this case.
Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced DARREN SCOTT HARTWIG, 34, of Cheyenne, Wyoming on June 25, 2019 for access with intent to view child pornography. Hartwig was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received sixty months of imprisonment, to be followed by sixty months of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $5000.00 and a $100.00 special assessment. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated this case.
Activity in the United States Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced DIAMOND DAWN HUFFER, 28, of Casper, Wyoming on June 13, 2019 for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Huffer was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. She received sixty months of imprisonment, to be followed by forty-eight months of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $500.00. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case.
Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced RYAN CHARLES SPENCER, 36, of Casper, Wyoming on June 13, 2019 for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Spencer was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received sixty months of imprisonment, to be followed by forty-eight months of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $200.00. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case.
Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced HARRY THEODORE WETZ, 44, of San Antonio, Texas on June 13, 2019 for felon in possession of a firearm. Wetz was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received fifty-one months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,850.00. The Sheridan Police Department, Sheridan County Sheriff Office, and US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case.
Activity in the United States Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal sentenced JOSE DIAZ-CASTANEDA, 45, of Mexico on June 4, 2019 for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Diaz-Castaneda was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received time served and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment, and is subject to deportation. Diaz-Castaneda previously was deported in 2011. The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated this case.
Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced HILDA GARCIA-RAMOS, 31, of Mexico on June 4, 2019 for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Garcia-Ramos was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. She received time served and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment, and is subject to deportation. Garcia-Ramos previously was deported in 2010. The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated this case.
Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced SAMMUEL DWAYNE COE, 32, of Casper, Wyoming on June 5, 2019 for transportation of child pornography. Coe was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received seventy-five months of imprisonment, to be followed by sixty months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. The US Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case.
Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced KODY NATHANIEL HESS, 30, of Evansville, Wyoming on June 10, 2019 for carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. Hess received a total of one hundred eighty months of imprisonment, to be followed by sixty months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200.00 special assessment. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced CHRISTOPHER LEE HARDY, 38, of Casper, Wyoming on June 13, 2019 for two counts of transportation of child pornography. Hardy was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received ninety months of imprisonment, to be followed by one hundred twenty months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200.00 fine and restitution in the amount of $5000.00. The US Department of Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case.
Fort Washakie Man Sentenced for Abusive Sexual ContactRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Mark A. Klaassen announced that Chief U.S. District Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced a Fort Washakie, Wyoming man on June 12, 2019 on four counts of Abusive Sexual Contact.
Kyle James Ferris, age 35, was sentenced to serve a forty-month prison term, followed by 10 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a special assessment of $400. He is further required to register as a sex offender. Ferris pled guilty to the four counts of Abusive Sexual Contact on March 20, 2019. The convictions stem from multiple incidents between August 2012 and November 2013, in which Ferris engaged in sexual contact with a thirteen-year-old victim.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case. After sentencing, the court immediately remanded Ferris to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Exercise Equipment Inventor Sentenced to Prison for Failing to File Income Tax Returns and Health Care Benefits FraudRead the Press Release
A Cheyenne, Wyoming, resident, who created exercise equipment, was sentenced to prison today, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Mark A. Klaassen for the District of Wyoming.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kelly H. Rankin sentenced Douglas Brendle to 18 months in prison on two counts of willfully failing to file his income tax returns and one count of making a fraudulent application for health care benefits.
According to court documents, from 2008-2012 Douglas E. Brendle owned and operated Brendle Climbing Systems LLC, which sold exercise equipment. In January 2013, Brendle sold the rights to its exercise equipment to investors. In exchange, he received nearly $1.5 million in payments during the period of 2013-2014. Despite receiving this income, Brendle failed to file individual tax returns or pay income taxes in 2013 or 2014 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Brendle’s conduct caused a tax loss of $404,501.
Additionally, during 2013-2014, Brendle fraudulently received health care benefits for himself and his family from Wyoming Medicaid, a jointly administered federal-state health care program that pays for medical care for eligible low-income individuals and families. In December 2013, Brendle caused a false renewal application to be filed for Wyoming Medicaid claiming his household had no income. During 2013–2014, Wyoming Medicaid paid Brendle $17,173.70 in benefits to which he and his family were not entitled.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. Magistrate Judge Rankin ordered Brendle to serve one year of supervised release and to pay restitution of $404,501 to the IRS and $17,173.70 to Wyoming Medicaid.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Klaassen commended the work of special agents of Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, who developed the case against Brendle, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric J. Heimann and Trial Attorney Eric C. Schmale of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the enforcement efforts of the United States Attorney’s Office and the Tax Division may be found on their respective websites.
SENTENCESRead the Press Release
Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced RYDER STORM JENKINS, 19, of Riverton, Wyoming on May 3, 2019 for two counts of assaulting and resisting persons assisting federal law enforcement officers. Jenkins was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received twenty-three months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,353.89 and a $200.00 special assessment. The Natrona County Sheriff’s Office and US Marshals Service investigated this case.
Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal sentenced TERRANCE FONDER, 46, of Benton Harbor, Michigan on May 9, 2019 for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Fonder was arrested in Spokane, Washington. He received twelve months and one day of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated this case.
Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal sentenced LUIS FERNANDO MUNOS-RIVERA, 30, on May 14, 2019 for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Munos-Rivera was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received time served plus ten days to allow for deportation proceedings and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case.
SENTENCESRead the Press Release
Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal sentenced CHRISTOPHER PERFECT (a/k/a Christopher Star Perfect and a/k/a Chris Johnson), 38, of Yucca Valley, California on April 24, 2019 for felon in possession of ammunition and fugitive in possession of ammunition. Perfect was arrested in Fresno, California. He received seventy months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $500.00 fine. The Buffalo Police Department, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and the ATF investigated this case.
Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced DILLON KENNETH WICKS, 26, of Riverton, Wyoming on April 23, 2019 for distribution of child pornography. Wicks was arrested in Riverton, Wyoming. He received sixty months of imprisonment, to be followed by one hundred twenty months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100.00 fine and restitution in the amount of $5000.00. The Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case.
Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced PAUL W. WILLS III, 33, of Mesquite, Texas on April 23, 2019 for abusive sexual contact. Wills was arrested in Bozeman, Montana. He received twelve months and one day of imprisonment, to be followed by sixty months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100.00 fine. The National Park Service investigated this case.
Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced CARL LEWIS ROSS, 34, with an unknown residence, on April 24, 2019 for distribution of methamphetamine. Ross was arrested in Campbell County, Wyoming. He received seventy-eight months of imprisonment, to be followed by forty-eight months of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $400.00. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated this case.
Man Sentenced for Yellowstone National Park AssaultRead the Press Release
JACKSON BURLEY COOMBS, 30, was sentenced on April 24, 2019 to seventy-eight months in federal prison for assaulting two tourists in Yellowstone National Park in July of 2018. United States District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal imposed the sentence after Coombs pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of simple assault.
Coombs was arrested by U.S. Park Rangers after a report of an assault in progress at the Xanterra Cabin Community Bathrooms in Yellowstone National Park. Coombs was hiding in a stall in the women’s bathroom and after a woman entered her stall, he banged on her door until it opened after having wrapped his face in toilet paper. He then began to punch the female victim in the face and head, at one point grabbing her by the jaw. She was able to yell for help and her traveling companion entered the bathroom to help her. Upon entering, he was also assaulted by Coombs who used bear spray on both victims. A passerby also entered the bathroom to help subdue the suspect until Park Rangers arrived. The female victim suffered a concussion as well as many bruises and cuts to her face.
After Coombs was sentenced, the United States Attorney for Wyoming, Mark A. Klaassen, stated, “The nature and circumstances of the unprovoked assault in this case are truly appalling. I am sorry for the pain and emotional distress the victim of this senseless attack has had to endure, and thankful for the courage of those who heard the commotion and took action to subdue Coombs before he could inflict any further harm. I also appreciate our law enforcement partners in responding to the scene and assisting my office in bringing this case to justice.”
Upon completion of his prison sentence Coombs will be on supervised release for thirty-six months and was ordered to pay $2,199.00 in restitution and a $125.00 special assessment.
Justice Department Observes National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
“Victims of crime deserve justice. This Department works every day to help them recover and to find, prosecute, and convict those who have done them harm,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “During this National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we pause to remember the millions of Americans who have been victims of crime and we thank public servants who have served them in especially heroic ways. This week the men and women of the Department recommit ourselves once again to ensuring that crime victims continue to have a voice in our legal system, to securing justice for them, and to preventing other Americans from suffering what they have endured."
“One of our greatest rewards as federal prosecutors is to see how our work can make a difference in the lives of victims of crime. Whether they are victims of physically violent attack, suffer financial loss, or endure other forms of exploitation, we are committed to seeing that they receive a measure of justice.” stated US Attorney for the District of Wyoming, Mark A. Klaassen. “I am proud of the work we do every day for the people of Wyoming in this regard, and appreciate the recognition and attention given to this important effort during Crime Victim’s Rights Week.”
Each year in April, the Department of Justice and United States Attorneys’ offices observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week nationwide by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorneys’ offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 7-13, with the theme: Honoring Our Past. Creating Hope for the Future.
The U.S. Department of Justice will host the Office for Victims of Crime’s Annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 12, 2019, to honor outstanding individuals and programs that serve victims of crime.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
Activity in the United States Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced GABRIEL SETH RODGERS, 19, of Sundance, Wyoming on April 8, 2019 for possession of stolen firearms and conspiracy to distribute LSD and marijuana. Rodgers was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received a total of forty-four months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of 27,115.57. The Gillette Police Department, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the ATF investigated this case.
Activity in the United States Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced CECIL EUGENE CROW, 56, and REBECCA ALLISON McINTOSH, 59, both of Grand Junction, Colorado for firearm and drug related charges. Crow was sentenced to eighty months of imprisonment to be followed by sixty months of supervised release for the charge of carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. McIntosh received seventy months imprisonment for the charge of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and will be on supervised release for three years. Both were arrested in Cortez, Colorado.
Beginning in February of 2017, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) began an investigation into a drug trafficking organization in the Natrona County, Wyoming area. Through the investigation, agents with the DCI Central Enforcement Team obtained information that Rebecca McIntosh was traveling to California, obtaining large quantities of methamphetamine and returning to Natrona County in order to deliver the methamphetamine to a co-conspirator. As part of the investigation, agents were tracking McIntosh’s vehicle movements as she traveled from Colorado to California and then back toward Wyoming. Later with the help of the Wyoming Highway Patrol, DCI agents conducted a traffic stop on McIntosh’s vehicle. McIntosh and her husband, Cecil Eugene Crow, were found in the vehicle. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of one pound of methamphetamine, which was hidden in a secret compartment, and a loaded firearm.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Suspect in Evanston carjacking case receives 184 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
JONATHAN ALEXANDER OLIVARES, 26, of Uinta County, Wyoming was sentenced in Federal District Court on March 25, 2019 by Chief United States District Judge Scott W. Skavdahl for carjacking and use/carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
The charges against Mr. Olivares stemmed from his assault of a Uinta County Sheriff’s Deputy following a State District Court appearance in Evanston, Wyoming on June 26, 2018. After his court appearance, Mr. Olivares attacked and disarmed a Sheriff’s Deputy and fled the County Courthouse before carjacking a local resident at gunpoint. Fast-acting local law enforcement authorities located and re-arrested Mr. Olivares shortly after his escape.
United States Attorney Mark A. Klaassen announced the sentence of one hundred eighty-four months in federal prison to be followed by sixty months of supervised release. Klaassen stated, "I appreciate the prompt action of law enforcement to apprehend the defendant and assist in his prosecution. Such acts of violence will not be tolerated and I am pleased to see that a measure of justice has been achieved to address this unacceptable conduct." Olivares was also ordered to pay $1,727.58 in restitution and a special assessment of $200.00.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Activity in the United States Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced DEVON MATTHEW GERLOSKY, 19, of Sundance, Wyoming on March 26, 2019 for possession of stolen firearms. Gerlosky was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received seventy-eight months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $27,115.57. The Gillette Police Department, Campbell County Attorney’s Office, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, and US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated this case.
Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal sentenced JAMES CHRISTOPHER WYNIA, 25, of Greybull, Wyoming on March 21, 2019 for transportation of child pornography. Wynia was arrested in Greybull, Wyoming. He received sixty months of imprisonment, to be followed by sixty months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100.00 fine. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the US Department of Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case.
Activity in the United States Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal sentenced JORGE LOPEZ-TREJO, 36, of Hidalgo, Mexico on March 18, 2019 for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Lopez-Trejo was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received time served plus ten day to allow for deportation proceedings and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (ICE) investigated this case. Lopez-Trejo had previously be removed from the United States to Mexico in 2007.
Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced DORA MUNOZ-RIVERA, 37, of Chihuahua, Mexico on March 19, 2019 for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Munoz-Rivera was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. She received time served plus ten day to allow for deportation proceedings and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (ICE) investigated this case.
Republican Party Headquarters Arsonist Sentenced in U.s. District CourtRead the Press Release
Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced KELLEN MICHAEL SORBER, 27, on March 18, 2019 to forty-four months in federal prison for setting fire to the Albany County Republican Party Headquarters in Laramie, Wyoming.
In the early morning hours of September 6, 2018, Defendant Kellen Sorber maliciously set a fire inside the building located at 214 East Ivinson Avenue in downtown Laramie – a property used as headquarters for the Albany County Republican Party on the main level and a private residence on the second floor. The Defendant used pieces of concrete cinderblock to smash through a window and set a fire on the floor just inside the GOP headquarters. Sorber then left the area with the fire burning out of control.
The Laramie Police and Fire Departments along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case. They used DNA evidence, cell phone records, and security camera footage to identify Sorber and tie him to the crime. He was indicted on November 15, 2018.
"The arson in this case appears to have been motivated by animosity toward a political party. Regardless of viewpoint or cause, such political violence is unacceptable and will not be tolerated." stated United States Attorney for the District of Wyoming, Mark A. Klaassen.
"We must continue to find ways to engage in healthy public discourse and debate over ideas without our differences devolving into the sort of disdain that leads to violence." Klaassen continued, "This senseless criminal act by Mr. Sorber caused thousands of dollars in damage to property and could have endangered the lives of other occupants of the building. I commend the excellent law enforcement investigation that led to this arrest and conviction."
Sorber was also ordered to pay a $6,200.00 fine and $100.00 in a special assessment. Upon completion of his prison sentence Sorber will be on supervised release for thirty-six months.
Activity in the United States Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced CHARLES BERNARD OWENS, a/k/a Christopher Bernard Mone, a/k/a Christopher Bernard Jackson, a/k/a Christopher Jackson, 36, of San Bernardino, California on February 14, 2019 for transportation in interstate commerce for the purposes of prostitution or other unlawful sexual activity. He received twenty-four months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and a $750.00 assessment to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act fund.
On July 22, 2017, during Cheyenne Frontier Days, detectives with the Cheyenne Police Department Human Trafficking Task Force conducted a joint operation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation into human trafficking in the Cheyenne, Wyoming area. During this operation, law enforcement identified and contacted a Californian woman who had been advertising prostitution services in the Cheyenne area. During the investigation, law enforcement discovered that the woman had traveled from California to Wyoming for the purpose of engaging in acts of prostitution at the direction Owens. Owens arranged the woman’s transportation and later prostitution while in the custody of a California State Prison. The Cheyenne Police Department, FBI, and Department of Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case.
Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced GERSON BARDALES-SAGASTUME, 22, of San Marcos, Honduras on February 21, 2019 for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Bardales-Sagastume was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received time served plus ten days to allow for deportation proceedings and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. Bardales-Sagastume was previously ordered removed from the US in 2016. The Department of Homeland Security investigated this case.
Activity in the United States Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced SHAUN MICHAEL SPRAGUE, 37, with no fixed address on February 5, 2019 for arson of a facility engaged in interstate commerce. Sprague was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received sixty months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in an amount to be determined later. The Wyoming State Fire Marshal’s Office, Gillette Police Department, Campbell County Fire Department, and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated this case.
Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced ORA IGNATIUS LITTLE, Jr., 50, of Arapahoe, Wyoming on February 15, 2019 for abusive sexual contact. Little was arrested in Lander, Wyoming. He received forty-two months of imprisonment, to be followed by one hundred twenty months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $2500.00 special assessment to the Victims of Sex Trafficking Act of 2015. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case.
Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced DELBERT LEE SPENCE, 38, of Cheyenne, Wyoming on February 19, 2019 for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Spence was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received fifty-one months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered restitution in the amount of $200.00. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the US Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case.
Activity in the United States Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced STEWART MILES DOTY, 62, of Big Piney, Wyoming on February 8, 2019 for manufacture, distribution, and possession with intent to manufacture and distribute marijuana, money laundering conspiracy, and laundering of monetary instruments. Doty was arrested in Big Piney, Wyoming. He received eighteen months of imprisonment as to counts 1 and 3 to be served concurrently, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $500.00. The Sublette County Sheriff’s Office, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, Internal Revenue Service and US Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case.
Beginning no later than 2011, Doty operated an organic tomato business called Wyomatoes from his residence in Big Piney. There, Doty grew tomatoes and other vegetables in greenhouses for sale at farmer’s markets and to retailers. Doty’s business fell on hard times, so he began growing and selling marijuana instead of tomatoes in 2016.
In August 2017, Sublette County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation special agents served a search warrant on Doty’s Big Piney property. Deputies and agents found approximately 47 pounds of processed marijuana, several thousand dollars in cash, and marijuana stalks and root-balls. Doty was present for the search warrant and admitted he had been cultivating and selling marijuana.
Special agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service reviewed Doty’s financial records. These records showed that Doty had been depositing cash from marijuana sales into his business bank account to make it appear as if he had earned the money from his tomato business.
Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced JOSE BEDOLLA-VASQUEZ, 27, of Mexico on February 12, 2019 for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Bedolla-Vasquez was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received six months of imprisonment and order to pay a $100.00 special assessment. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security investigated this case.
Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal sentenced STEVEN THOMAS ATWELL, 56, of Cheyenne, Wyoming on February 11, 2019 for felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Atwell was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received sixty months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case.
Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced JONATHON DANIEL WRIGHT, 37, of Laramie, Wyoming on February 2, 2019 for escape from custody. Wright was arrested in Laramie, Wyoming. He received eight months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. The United States Marshals Service investigated this case.
Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal sentenced KENNETH DARRYL WASHINGTON, 47, of Olympia Fields, Illinois on February 4, 2019 for felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Washington was arrested in Grand Junction, Colorado. He received forty-six months of imprisonment, to be followed by twenty-four months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case.
Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced FELIPE RODRIGUEZ-FERNANDEZ, 39, of Tamaulipas, Mexico on February 6, 2019 for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Rodriguez-Fernandez was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received time served plus ten days to allow for deportation proceedings and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security investigated this case.
Cheyenne Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Drug Robbery Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
Armando Raul Ramirez-Serna, 22, was sentenced on February 4, 2019, to serve 40 years in federal prison for killing another man while robbing him of marijuana and proceeds from the sale of marijuana, announced United States Attorney Mark A. Klaassen. Ramirez-Serna was also ordered to pay over $19,000 in restitution to the victim’s family and to the Wyoming Division of Victims Assistance.
Ramirez-Serna was indicted in July of 2018 for interfering with commerce by robbery, using a firearm and causing murder during the robbery, and using fire to commit a felony. Pursuant to a plea agreement with the United States, Ramirez-Serna pleaded guilty on October 9, 2018, to interfering with commerce by robbery and using a firearm and causing murder during the robbery. Two other counts were dismissed at sentencing.
“The prosecution of this case represents a successful collaboration between local and federal law enforcement agencies to combat violent crime in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Klaassen. “It is an example of the partnerships the Department of Justice is committed to fostering as part of its Project Safe Neighborhood initiative, which seeks to combine the resources of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and prosecutors’ offices to find the most effective way to investigate and prosecute violent actors, and to bring justice to the victims of violent crime.”
United States District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Laramie County Sheriff’s Department investigated the case with the assistance of agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stuart S. Healy III, Stephanie Sprecher, and David Kubichek prosecuted the case.
Activity in the United States Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced DIEUDLET JEAN-LOUIS, 25, of Miami, Florida on December 12, 2018 for access device fraud conspiracy. Jean-Louis was arrested in Northwood, Massachusetts. He received twelve months and one day of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $164,627.00. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the US Secret Service investigated this case.
Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal sentenced SAMUEL OLIVIER-BRAVO, 37, of Mexico on December 10, 2018 for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Olivier-Bravo was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received time served plus ten days to allow for deportation proceedings and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. The US Department of Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case.
Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced ERIC JEFFERY REAM, Jr., 36, of Cheyenne, Wyoming on December 11, 2018 for simple possession of methamphetamine, and felon and unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm. Eric Ream Jr. was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received forty-one months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release. The Cheyenne Police Department investigated this case.
Cheyenne Psychologist and His Wife Sentenced to 37 Months in Prison for Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
John Robert Sink, Jr., 68, and Diane Marie Sink, 63, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, were sentenced on December 3, 2018, to serve 37 months in prison for making false statements as part of a scheme to fraudulently bill Wyoming Medicaid for mental health services, which were never provided, announced United States Attorney Mark A. Klaassen. The Sinks, who are married, were also ordered to pay over $6.2 million in restitution to the Wyoming Department of Health and the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and to forfeit over $750,000 in assets traceable to the fraud, including cash, retirement accounts, vehicles, and a residence.
The Sinks were indicted in March 2018 by a federal grand jury for health care fraud, making false statements, and money laundering. At all times relevant to the indictment, John and Diane Sink operated a psychological practice in Cheyenne. John Sink, who was a licensed Ph.D. psychologist, directed mental health services. Diane Sink submitted bills to Wyoming Medicaid and managed the business and its employees. The Sinks provided services to developmentally disabled Medicaid beneficiaries and billed Medicaid for those services.
Between February 2012 and December 2016, the Sinks submitted bills to Wyoming Medicaid for $6.2 million in alleged group therapy. These bills were false and fraudulent because the services provided did not qualify as group therapy as defined by Wyoming Medicaid. The Sinks also falsely billed Medicaid for beneficiaries who were not participating in any activities, and therefore did not receive any of the claimed mental health services. When Wyoming Medicaid audited the Sinks in May 2016, the Sinks did not have necessary documentation to support their billing, so they ordered an employee to create backdated treatment plans. The Sinks then submitted these phony treatment plans to Wyoming Medicaid to justify the Sinks’ false group therapy bills, and to cover up their fraudulent billing scheme.
The Sinks each pled guilty to one count of making false statements in relation to health care as part of a plea agreement with the United States government. The other counts in the indictment were dismissed.
"Healthcare fraud is a serious crime that increases costs and wastes healthcare dollars on medically worthless or unnecessary activities. Fraud involving a government healthcare program, like Wyoming Medicaid, is even more serious because it wastes taxpayer dollars and reduces the program’s ability to serve needy individuals and families. We are on the lookout for this type of criminal activity, and it will not be tolerated," said U.S. Attorney Mark Klaassen.
"John and Diane Sink took advantage of the government's Medicaid program by creating a deceptive health care billing schemes for personal gain, consequently passing the bill to the U.S. government and the State of Wyoming," said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Dean Phillips. "All taxpayers and those who need Medicaid health care assistance were victimized. Today's sentencing should send the message that exploitation of our health care assistance programs for personal gain will not be tolerated and that we will continue to hold accountable those individuals who engage in health care fraud."
"Wyoming Medicaid staff, together with our partners in the Attorney General’s office, work to be good stewards of public funds," said Teri Green, Senior Administrator and Wyoming State Medicaid Agent. "Outcomes such as with this case should serve as a reminder that we take our responsibilities to serve Wyoming’s citizens seriously."
"This prosecution represents a successful partnership between state and federal law enforcement agencies to combat fraud," said Travis Kirchhefer, Director, Wyoming Attorney General's Office, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
United States District Court Judge Nancy Freudenthal imposed the sentence. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Wyoming Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Heimann and Special Assistant United States Attorney Travis Kirchhefer of the Wyoming Medicaid Fraud Control Unit prosecuted the case.
Suspected fraud against Medicaid or Medicare can be reported to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477) and the agency’s website https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud/. Wyoming residents can call the Wyoming Medicaid Fraud Control Unit toll free at 1-800-378-0345, or visit their website at http://ag.wyo.gov/medicaid-fraud-control-unit.
Former Cheyenne Resident Sentenced for Bank Fraud, Possession of Stolen Mail, and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Mark A. Klaassen announced that former Cheyenne resident Dawn Marie Wheeler, 51, was sentenced on November 26, 2018, to serve consecutive prison sentences of 27 months and 24 months, respectively, after engaging in a mail theft, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft scheme. United States District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentences. After serving her prison sentences, Wheeler will be under court-ordered supervision for three years. The court also ordered Wheeler to pay $300 in special assessments and make restitution to the victims of her conduct. The court has not yet determined the amount of restitution.
Between November of 2017 and February of 2018, Wheeler and various associates committed a spree of mail thefts in Laramie County, Wyoming. Along with stealing mail from dozens of postal customers, Wheeler and her associates stole identities, opened unauthorized accounts, made unauthorized deposits and withdrawals, forged stolen checks, and engaged in other related illegal activity. The Laramie County Sheriff’s Office, Cheyenne Police Department, and United States Postal Inspection Service investigated the mail theft scheme. With the assistance of various concerned citizens, the investigators identified Wheeler and her associates.
"The United States Department of Justice and my office are committed to defending the integrity of the United States Mail," said U.S. Attorney Klaassen. "Any theft of mail, with or without monetary loss, is a federal felony punishable by up to five years in prison. My office will continue to prosecute those who steal mail in the District of Wyoming."
"The U.S. Postal Inspection Service would like to thank the diligent witnesses in this case who reported suspicious activity involving the U.S. Mail," said Lesley Allison, Acting Inspector-in-Charge of the Denver Division. "Along with the quick response from local law enforcement, the actions of the victims and witnesses in this case allowed the Postal Inspector to quickly identify these defendants, who were responsible for stealing mail from numerous victims. As we enter into the busy holiday mailing season," Ms. Allison said, "this sentence marks a great example of what can happen when the public and law enforcement work together with Postal Inspectors to stop mail theft in our communities."
Ms. Allison reminds the public to call 911 if they see suspicious activity involving the U.S. Mail. The public can also reach the U.S. Postal Inspection Service by dialing its 24/7 hotline, 1-877-876-2455, and asking for a "Representative." Finally, the public can report crimes involving the mail via the Inspection Service website: https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/. The Inspection Service takes each report of mail theft seriously, and works closely with local law enforcement to identify those responsible for such crimes.
Sentencings for November 1 - November 5, 2018Read the Press Release
Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced WILLIAM TYLER MIDGETT, 32, of Evansville, Wyoming on November 1, 2018 for being a felon and unlawful user of controlled substance in possession of a firearm and possession of firearm not registered in the national firearms registration and transfer record. Midgett was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received thirty-seven months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, on each count, to be served concurrently. The Casper Police Department and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated this case.
Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced JERRY JOSEPH ROMERO, 42, of Salt Lake City, Utah on November 5, 2018 for being a felon in possession of a firearm and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Romero was arrested in Sweetwater County, Wyoming. He received a total of ninety-three months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200.00 special assessment. The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated this case.
Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced LOVELESS DANIEL NAYLOR, 40, of South Bend, Indiana on November 5, 2018 for possession with intent to distribute heroin. Naylor was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received fifty-seven months of imprisonment, to be followed by forty-eight months of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $500.00 and a $100.00 special assessment. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated this case.
Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced GUILLERMO MALDONADO-ABARCA, 34, of Denver, Colorado on November 2, 2018 for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Maldonado-Abarca was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received time served plus ten days to allow for deportation proceedings, twelve months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case.
Sentencings for October 29 - November 1, 2018Read the Press Release
Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal sentenced PASTOR JESUS LOPEZ-MARIANO, 30, of Guanajuato, Mexico on November 1, 2018 for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Lopez-Mariano was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received six months of imprisonment, subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence, and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. The Department of Homeland Security Investigation investigated this case.
Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced RIGOBERTO DE JESUS LOBO-AVALOS, 48, of El Salvador on October 29, 2018 for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Lobo-Avalos was arrested in Natrona County, Wyoming. He received twelve months and one day of imprisonment, is subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence, and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. The Department of Homeland Security Investigation investigated this case.
Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced RICARDO ST. VIL (a/k/a Rikado St. Vil, a/k/a Calico Riko), 30, of Opa-Locka, Florida on October 31, 2018 for access device fraud conspiracy. St. Vil was arrested in Miami, Florida. He received thirty-seven months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $222,756.10. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Secret Service investigated this case.
Tribal Access Program ExpansionRead the Press Release
The United States Department of Justice has announced the expansion of the Tribal Access Program for National Crime Information (TAP). TAP will allow the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapahoe Tribes of the Wind River Reservation to more effectively protect its citizens through the exchange of critical information across several national crime information systems. The program was launched in August of 2015 and served forty-seven tribes across the country.
The Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes have been selected for TAP FULL access. The Wind River Indian Reservation will receive two kiosks to access NCIC and other national databases. The Northern Arapaho Tribe will place its kiosk in the Wind River Sex Offender Registration and Notification ("WRSORNA") Office, giving WRSORNA Director Kendra Smith the ability to retrieve background information about convicted sex offenders at the time of registration and enter the sex offender's information into the nationwide NCIC database. Director Smith stated that the Department of Justice’s Tribal Access Program (TAP) expansion will provide approved entities, such as tribal probation, human resources, child support, child protection services, and schools the ability to request information from the nationwide databases that is important to public and community safety.
The Eastern Shoshone Tribe will locate its kiosk within its Human Resources office. Council Member Leslie Shakespeare, of the Eastern Shoshone Business Council, stated, "The Eastern Shoshone Tribe is excited to be able to participate in the Department of Justice's Tribal Access Program. Having the ability to have access and share criminal information will undoubtedly enhance our human resource, family service, child support, and judicial departments for the safety and benefit of our tribal members and communities as a whole."
"I am pleased that the Northern Arapahoe and Eastern Shoshone tribes are planning to participate in the Tribal Access Program to allow sharing of national crime information databases," said United States Attorney Mark Klaassen. "My hope is that deployment of this program in the coming months will further strengthen our partnership with the tribes and promote safe and healthy communities in Indian country."
By the end of 2019, the Justice Department will expand the number of TAP participating tribes by more than 50 percent—from 47 tribes to 72. The Department of the Interior (DOI) will fund the instillation of TAP Kiosks at three locations where the BIA-Office of Indian Services (BIA-OIS) deliver direct service social services by the end of 2019 and DOI aims to expand TAP access at all 28 BIA-Office of Justice Services operated law enforcement agencies and detention service centers. These BIA locations will provide some degree of access to TAP for services delivered to more than 50 tribal communities that currently do not have any direct access.
TAP, offered in two versions, TAP-FULL and TAP-LIGHT, allows tribes to more effectively serve and protect their communities by fostering the exchange of critical data through several national databases through the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) network, including the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), Next Generation Identification (NGI), National Data Exchange (N-DEx), National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), Law Enforcement Enterprise Portal (LEEP) as well as other national systems such as the International Justice and Public Safety Network (Nlets). TAP enhances tribal efforts to register sex offenders pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA); have orders of protection enforced nationwide; protect children; keep firearms away from persons who are disqualified from receiving them; improve the safety of public housing, and allow tribes to enter their arrests and convictions into national databases.
November 2018 General Election Day ProgramRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Mark A. Klaassen announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Timothy W. Gist will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 6, 2018, general election. AUSA Gist has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of Wyoming. In that capacity, he is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department in Washington. D.C.
"The right to vote is a cornerstone of American democracy, and every citizen who chooses to do so must be able to exercise that right without interference or discrimination," said United States Attorney Klaassen. "The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process."
The Department of Justice is responsible for deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and addressing these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
AUSA/DEO Gist will be on duty while the polls are open to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities,. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: 307-332-8195 or 307-772-2124.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The FBI field office can be reached by the public at 303-630-6916 or 307-632-6224.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws may also be made directly to the Voting Section of the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected], or by online complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
"Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of fellow citizens," said United States Attorney Klaassen. "It is imperative that those who have any specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division so that we can take appropriate action."
Sentencings in the District of WyomingRead the Press Release
Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced DAVID ISIAH GIBSON, 46, of Chicago, Illinois on October 19, 2018 for carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Gibson was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received one hundred forty four months of imprisonment, to be followed by sixty months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated this case.
Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced five defendants from a lengthy Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation that took place in Natrona County, Wyoming. The sentencings took place on September 27, 28 and October 10, 2018. In 2017, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation began investigating an on-going drug trafficking organization operating in Wyoming and Colorado. Agents identified the numerous individuals involved, operating together to distribute methamphetamine obtained from Colorado in the Natrona County, Wyoming area. As early as September of 2017, large quantities of methamphetamine were being purchased using controlled buys with undercover agents. Through the investigation, several pounds of methamphetamine and other controlled substances were seized, as well as firearms.
WILLIAM FLOYD HOSSACK, 58, of Casper, Wyoming was sentenced for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Hossack was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received one hundred twenty months of imprisonment, to be followed by sixty months of supervised release, and ordered to pay community restitution in the amount of $300.00.
MICHAEL ANDREW BRISSON, 33, of Casper, Wyoming was sentenced for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Brisson was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received one hundred fifty-one months of imprisonment, to be followed by sixty months of supervised release, and ordered to pay community restitution in the amount of $250.00.
CHRISTOPHER CHARLES D’ARCY, 42, of Bar Nunn, Wyoming was sentenced for distribution of methamphetamine and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. D’Arcy was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received one hundred twenty months of imprisonment, to be followed by sixty months of supervised release, and ordered to pay community restitution in the amount of $1,000.00.
RODRIGO ALEJANDRO FLORES-MIRA, 35, of Bar Nunn, Wyoming was sentenced for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. Flores-Mira was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received seventy months of imprisonment, to be followed by sixty months of supervised release and is to be deported upon release.
CINDY NOELLA WILLIAMS, 46, of Casper, Wyoming was sentenced for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Williams was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. She received one hundred twenty months of imprisonment, to be followed by sixty months of supervised release, and ordered to pay community restitution in the amount of $800.00.
The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, The Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security investigated this case.
Washington Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for the Interstate Transportation of Minors with the Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Mark A. Klaassen announced that David Peter Vier, 63, of Granite Falls, Washington, was sentenced on October 22, 2018, to serve 15 years in prison for transporting two minors, with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, from Washington to Wyoming. After serving his prison sentence, Vier will be under court-ordered supervision for 20 years. Vier was also ordered to pay a $5,000 assessment under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act. The conviction further requires Vier to register as a sex offender in the places where he resides, where he is an employee, and where he is a student, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
On January 19, 2018, Vier encountered two female runaways, ages 12 and 14, in Seattle, Washington. The girls were requesting a ride to Wichita, Kansas, and Vier agreed to transport them approximately half way to Little America, Wyoming. During the trip, Vier bought the girls makeup and made comments of sexual nature. Vier stopped at a remote location in Oregon where he had sexual contact with both of the minors. Vier then told the girls they would engage in sexual intercourse after they arrived in Wyoming.
Wyoming law enforcement were actively looking for the minors after being contacted by a concerned citizen in Kansas who indicated the girls were in a dangerous situation. Upon arriving to Little America, Wyoming, the girls immediately sought help. Employees of a local restaurant promptly contacted law enforcement during the evening of January 20, 2018, which resulted in the minors being recovered and Vier being taken into custody.
"This case illustrates the vital role the public plays in helping the government protect the most vulnerable in our community. With the assistance of concerned citizens, law enforcement was able to rescue the children in this case and our office was able to hold the offender responsible for his actions," said U.S. Attorney Klaassen
United States District Court Judge Alan Johnson imposed the sentence. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole M. Romine of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming.
Anyone who suspects instances of human trafficking are encouraged to call the FBI or the Human Trafficking Hotline. The Human Trafficking Hotline may be reached by phone at 1-888-373-7888, by text at 233733, or by online reporting at https://humantraffickinghotline.org/.
Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, via its toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or by its CyperTipline at https://report.cybertip.org.
Sentencings for October 11 - 17, 2018Read the Press Release
Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal sentenced JOHN PRESTON JACKSON, 65, of Casper, Wyoming on October 11, 2018 for possession with intent to distribute oxycodone and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Jackson was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received one hundred twenty months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $400.00. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case.
Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal sentenced CHRISTINA O’DELL, 40, of Cheyenne, Wyoming on October 11, 2018 for obtaining a controlled substance by fraud. She received thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $11.32. The Veterans Administration investigated this case.
Chief Federal District Court Judge Scoot W. Skavdahl sentenced VALENTIN DOMINGUEZ NOYOLA, 42, of Acapulco, Mexico on October 11, 2018 for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Noyola was arrested in Rock Springs, Wyoming. He received forty-one months of imprisonment, to be followed by sixty months of supervised release, and ordered to a $100.00 special assessment. The Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office and Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated this case.
Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced JULIO CESAR QUINTERO, 21, of Phoenix, Arizona on October 10, 2018 for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Quintero was arrested in Larimer County, Colorado. He received seventy months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $900.00. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, Northern Colorado Drug Task Force, U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case.
Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced ANDREW CHARLES MILLER, 28, of Cheyenne, Wyoming on October 17, 2018 for carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Miller was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received sixty months of imprisonment, to be followed by sixty months of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1000.00 and a $100.00 special assessment. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case.
Sentencings for October 5 & 11, 2018Read the Press Release
Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced ANTHONY JAMAL WALTERS, 37, of Loveland, Colorado on October 5, 2018 for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Walters was arrested in Larimer County, Colorado. He received one hundred thirty five months of imprisonment, to be followed by sixty months of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $500.00. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, Northern Colorado Drug Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the D.E.A. investigated this case.
Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced ANGELA LYNN PEREZ, 38, of Greely, Colorado on October 5, 2018 for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Perez was arrested in Larimer County, Colorado. She received time served, to be followed by sixty months of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $500.00. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, Northern Colorado Drug Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the D.E.A. investigated this case.
Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal sentenced KENNETH ROY GIBSON, 47, of Fort Collins, Colorado on October 11, 2018 for failure to register as a sex offender. Gibson was arrested in Fort Collins, Colorado. He received twenty-one months of imprisonment, to be followed by sixty months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $500.00 fine and a $500.00 special assessment. The United States Marshals Service investigated this case.
Sentencings for September 18 - September 25, 2018Read the Press Release
STETSON LANE PIERCE, 21, of Evanston, Wyoming was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on September 25, 2018 for possession of a stolen firearm and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Pierce was arrested in Uinta County, Wyoming. He received forty-one months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $400.00 fine and a $200.00 special assessment. The Evanston Police Department, West Jordan Utah Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
KYMBER MORGAN TIERNAN, 33, of Cheyenne, Wyoming was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on September 21, 2018 for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Tiernan was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Tiernan received sixty-three months of imprisonment, to be followed by forty-eight months of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $500.00. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, Northern Colorado Drug Task Force, DEA, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated this case.
KAREN KAY STROBACH-ROBLES (a/k/a KAREN ROBLES, a/k/a KAREN STROBACH), 55, of Highland, California was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on September 18, 2018 for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Strobach-Robles was arrested in Riverside, California. She received sixty months of imprisonment, to be followed by forty-eight months of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $500.00. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated this case.
STARR DANA MILLER, 25, of Arapahoe, Wyoming was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on September 25, 2018 for escape from custody. Miller was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received eighteen months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. The Lander Police Department, Natrona County Sheriff’s Office, BIA, and United States Marshalls Service investigated this case.
Psychologist and His Wife Plead Guilty to Defrauding Wyoming MedicaidRead the Press Release
Dr. John R. Sink, Jr., who is a Ph.D. psychologist, and his wife Diane M. Sink pled guilty on September 25, 2018 before Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson in federal court in Cheyenne to making false statements to Wyoming Medicaid as part of a scheme to fraudulently bill Medicaid for alleged mental health services. U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming Mark A. Klaassen, whose office prosecuted the case, announced the guilty pleas.
According to court documents, the Sinks operated a psychological practice in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Between February 2012 and December 2016, the Sinks submitted to Wyoming Medicaid over $6.2 million in bills for alleged group therapy, which consisted of activities that did not qualify as group therapy under Medicaid rules. The Sinks knew their bills contained material false statements because the services provided by the Sinks did not qualify as group therapy, the hours billed did not accurately report the time each Medicaid beneficiary was actively participating in any activities, and the Sinks were not using up-to-date treatment plans to guide each Medicaid beneficiaries treatment as required by Wyoming Medicaid. The Sinks also submitted falsely backdated treatment plans to Wyoming Medicaid when the program audited the Sinks’ business in May 2016. The Sinks made these false statements knowing that Wyoming Medicaid would not pay for the alleged group therapy if the program knew the true nature of the services being provided by the Sinks, and to conceal their fraudulent billing scheme.
"Health care fraud is a serious crime that harms all of us through higher taxes and insurance premiums. The Sinks’ guilty pleas show that the United States government will investigate, prosecute, and punish the criminals who attempt to defraud our health care system," said U.S. Attorney Mark A. Klaassen.
"Today’s guilty pleas send a strong message to anyone considering engaging in health care fraud," said Federal Bureau of Investigation, Denver Regional Office, Special Agent in Charge Calvin Shivers. "The FBI will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney's Office in Wyoming to hold individuals who commit health care fraud, at the expense of the U.S. government and hardworking taxpayers, accountable for their actions."
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Wyoming Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Heimann of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming and Special Assistant United States Attorney Travis Kirchhefer of the Wyoming Medicaid Fraud Control Unit prosecuted the case.
Dr. John R. Sink, Jr., and Diane M. Sink are scheduled for sentencing on December 4th, 2018 in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Suspected fraud against Medicaid or Medicare can be reported to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477) and the agency’s website https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud/. Wyoming residents can call the Wyoming Medicaid Fraud Control Unit toll free at 1-800-378-0345, or visit their website at http://ag.wyo.gov/medicaid-fraud-control-unit.
Sentencings for September 13, 2018Read the Press Release
MICHAEL BURTON LEE WILLIAMS, 40, of Casper, Wyoming was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on September 13, 2018 for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and use of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Williams was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received one hundred eighty one months of imprisonment, to be followed by sixty months of supervised release. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the D.E.A. investigated this case.
MELVIN EDWARD JEFFERSON, 32, of Fort Worth, Texas was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on September 13, 2018 for interference with interstate commerce by means of robbery and aid and abet, use and brandish a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and felon in possession of a firearm. Jefferson was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received one hundred fifty months of imprisonment, to be followed by sixty months months of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,409.00 and a $300.00 special assessment. The Gillette Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
BRICE ASHTON CARTER, 34, of Cheyenne, Wyoming was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on September 13, 2018 for counterfeiting and forging obligations or securities of the United States and felon in possession of a firearm. Carter was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received eighty-four months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay an $800.00 fine, and a $200.00 special assessment. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case.
Sentencings for September 4 - 10, 2018Read the Press Release
YUNIEL AGUILA DARIAS, 36, of Miami, Florida was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on September 4, 2018 for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Daria was arrested in Benton City, Washington. He received forty-six months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay community restitution in the amount of $900.00. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and U.S. Department of Homeland Security investigated this case.
JOSE GUADALUPE MORALES-SIMON, 56, of Chilpancingo, Mexico was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on September 10, 2018 for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Morales-Simon was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received time served plus ten days to allow for deportation proceedings and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment at the time of deportation. The Office of Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case.
MAXIMILLIANO BERISTAIN-GALICIA, 26, of Calpulalpan, Mexico was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on September 10, 2018 for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Beristain-Galicia was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received time served plus ten days to allow for deportation proceedings and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment at the time of deportation. The Office of Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case.
CHRISTINE RENEE MOFFAT, 39, of Casper, Wyoming was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on September 6, 2018 for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Moffat was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. She received seventy months of imprisonment, to be followed by forty-eight months of supervised release, and ordered to pay community restitution in the amount of $500.00. The Casper Police Department and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated this case.
Sentencings for September 4 & 5, 2018Read the Press Release
SPENCER RICH, 28, of Vernal, Utah was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on September 5, 2018 for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Rich was arrested in Lander, Wyoming. He received one hundred months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $9,645.95 and a $100.00 special assessment. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated this case.
JASON ARNOLD MILLER, 41, of Cheyenne, Wyoming was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on September 4, 2018 for possession of child pornography. Miller was arrested in Laramie County, Wyoming. He received one hundred twenty months of imprisonment, to be followed by one hundred twenty months of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $5000.00 and a $100.00 special assessment. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated this case.
RANDY ALAN MERRILL, 52, of Denver, Colorado was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on September 5, 2018 for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Merrill was arrested in Crowley County, Colorado. He received thirty months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated this case.
Sentencings for August 13 - 14, 2018Read the Press Release
ETHAN TSUBASA THAO, 39, of Eureka, California was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on August 13, 2018 for possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Thao was arrested in Sweetwater County, Wyoming. He received twenty-one months of imprisonment, to be followed by forty-eight months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. The Wyoming Highway Patrol and Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated this case.
FRANCISCO GARCIA-REYES, 24, of Mexico was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on August 14, 2018 for unlawful possession of visas, permits, and other documents. Garcia-Reyes was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received time served plus ten days to allow for deportation proceedings and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment at the time of deportation. The Department of Homeland Security investigated this case.
Sentencings for July 30 - August 2, 2018Read the Press Release
DANNY LAURENCE RUST, 34, of Mills, Wyoming was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on July 30, 2018 for possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Rust was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received one hundred fifty six months of imprisonment, to be followed by sixty months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $1000.00 fine. The Mills Police Department, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated this case.
LOURDES LETISIA GANDARILLA-DUARTE, 33, of Durango, Mexico was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on July 31, 2018 for fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents. Gandarilla-Duarte was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received eighteen months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case.
MANUEL HARO-ROCHA, 33, of Guasabe, Mexico was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on August 1, 2018 for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Haro-Rocha was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received time served plus ten days to allow for deportation proceedings and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment at the time of deportation. The Department of Homeland Security investigated this case.
TIMOTHY WILLIAM DAVIS, 55, of Big Piney, Wyoming was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on August 2, 2018 for felon in possession of a firearm. Davis was arrested in Sublette County, Wyoming. He received one hundred months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $500.00 fine, and a $100.00 special assessment. The Sublette County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated this case.
DAVID WAYNE HARDY, 60, of Rawlins, Wyoming was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on August 1, 2018 for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana. Hardy was arrested in Sweetwater County, Wyoming. He received eighty-seven months of imprisonment, to be followed by forty-eight months of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $900.00. The Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office and Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated this case.
Wyoming Nurse Charged with Unlawful Distribution of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Distribution of Controlled Substance Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Mark Klaassen announced today, in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), that Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Margaret Ann Easley appeared in federal court for an initial appearance on an Indictment charging three counts of Unlawful Distribution of Controlled Substances including Fentanyl, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Methadone, and Alprazolam, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)C) and 18 U.S.C. § 2(b), which each carry penalties of up to twenty years imprisonment, and two counts of Unlawful Distribution of Controlled Substance Resulting in Death, also in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)C) and 18 U.S.C. § 2(b), and which each carry potential penalties of up to life imprisonment.
"Drug diversion cases involving opioids are a priority for this office as part of national efforts to combat prescription drug abuse, particularly the rising tide of synthetic drug abuse involving fentanyl that can have such deadly consequences," said United States Attorney Mark Klaassen. "Along with DEA, we will continue to investigate and aggressively prosecute individual providers and prescribers who seek to profit from this illegal activity."
An Indictment is only an accusation. In every criminal case, the accused is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty, and the government always has the burden of proving guilt at trial beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the DEA Salt Lake City Diversion Group, DEA Casper Post of Duty, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office and the Lander Wyoming Police Department.
Sentencings for July 17 - July 20, 2018Read the Press Release
JULIO GASCA-NIETO, 30, of Denver, Colorado was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on July 19, 2018 for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine. Gasca-Nieto was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received one hundred twenty months of imprisonment, to be followed by sixty months of supervised release. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, and the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency investigated this case.
CODY JAMES AHRENS, 27, of Cheyenne, Wyoming was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on July 17, 2018 for seize, confine, kidnap, carry away and hold, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Ahrens was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received one hundred thirty months of imprisonment, to be followed by sixty months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200.00 special assessment. The Cheyenne Police Department, Weld County Colorado Sheriff’s Office and US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case.
*** This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
MICAH NATHANIAL HECK, 25, of Claude, Texas was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on July 20, 2018 for sexual battery. Heck was arrested in Claude, Texas. He received twelve months of imprisonment, to be followed by twelve months of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,602.75 and a $25.00 special assessment. The National Park Service investigated this case.
AARON MICHAEL WATSON, 29, of Gillette, Wyoming was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on July 19, 2018 for interference with interstate commerce by means of robbery and aid and abet. Watson was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received eighty-four months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,409.00 and a $100.00 special assessment. The Gillette Police Department and US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated this case.
*** This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
KENDAL RAY WILLIAMS, 42, with no fixed address, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on July 19, 2018 for failure to register as a sex offender. Williams was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received fifteen months of imprisonment, to be followed by sixty months of supervised release, and ordered to pay $100.00 special assessment. The United States Marshals Service investigated this case.
Creator of “Fitwall” Exercise Equipment Pleads Guilty to Failing to File Income Tax Returns and Health Care Benefits FraudRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - A resident of Cheyenne, Wyoming and creator of "Fitwall" exercise equipment pleaded guilty today to two counts of willfully failing to file his income tax returns and one count of making a fraudulent application for health care benefits. The change of plea was announced by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Mark A. Klaassen for the District of Wyoming, whose offices are engaged in a joint prosecution of this case.
According to court documents, from 2008-2012, Douglas E. Brendle owned and operated Brendle Climbing Systems, LLC, which sold Fitwalls. In January 2013, Brendle sold the rights to Fitwall to investors, and in exchange received nearly $1.5 million in payments during the period of 2013-2014. Despite receiving this income, Brendle failed to file individual income tax returns or pay income taxes in 2013 or 2014. Brendle’s conduct resulted in a tax loss of $404,501.
Additionally, during 2013-2014, Brendle fraudulently received health care benefits for himself and his family from Wyoming Medicaid, a jointly administered federal-state health care program that pays for medical care for eligible low-income individuals and families. In December 2013, Brendle caused a false renewal application to be filed for Wyoming Medicaid claiming his household had no income. During 2013–2014, Wyoming Medicaid paid Brendle over $20,000 in benefits to which he and his family were not entitled.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 24, 2018. Brendle faces a statutory maximum sentence of three years in prison, as well as a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.
"These cases take substantial time and effort to investigate and prosecute, but serve as a reminder that no person is above the law, and we will hold those accountable who use improper means to avoid taxes," said U.S Attorney Klaassen. "We also cannot allow false claims against our health care programs to siphon resources intended to assist our most needy families."
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Klaassen commended the work of special agents of Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation office in developing the case against Brendle, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric J. Heimann and Trial Attorney Eric C. Schmale of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the enforcement efforts of the United States Attorney’s Office and the Tax Division may be found on their respective websites.
Sentencings for July 9 & 11, 2018Read the Press Release
JUAN CASTILLO-PADILLA, 24, of Guadalajara, Mexico was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on July 9, 2018 for conspiracy to distribute heroin. Castillo-Padilla was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received sixty months of imprisonment, to be followed by forty-eight months of supervised release. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and Wyoming Highway Patrol investigated this case.
YONIK ARMENDARIZ-HERNANDEZ, 22, of Mexico was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on July 11, 2018 for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Armendariz-Hernandez was arrested in Gillette, Wyoming. He received time served plus ten days to allow for deportation proceedings and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment at the time of deportation. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency investigated this case.
Woman Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
DAPHNE JEAN PEAHRORA, 26, of Fort Washakie, Wyoming was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on July 2, 2018 for assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Peahrora was arrested in Fort Washakie, Wyoming. She received nine months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $33,350.45 and a $100.00 special assessment. The FBI investigated this case.
Sentencings for June 25 & June 26, 2018Read the Press Release
ASHLEY MARIE GONZALES, 27, of Cheyenne, Wyoming was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on June 25, 2018 for seize, confine, kidnap, carry away, and hold as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Gonzales was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She received one hundred twenty months of imprisonment, to be followed by sixty months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200.00 special assessment. The Cheyenne Police Department, Weld County Colorado Sheriff’s Office, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
DUSTIN RAY TEEPLES, 43, of Orem, Utah was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on June 26, 2018 for conspiracy to distribute heroin. Teeples was arrested in Washakie County, Wyoming. He received forty months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $900.00 in community restitution and a $100.00 special assessment. The Washakie County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case.
CALEB ALLEN ROOT, 38, with no known permanent address, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on June 26, 2018 for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Root was arrested in Sheridan, Wyoming. He received fifty-four months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200.00 special assessment. The Sheridan Police Department, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, and the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated this case.
Sentencings for June 8 - June 12, 2018Read the Press Release
EDUARDO AGUILAR, 27, of La Puente, California, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on June 12, 2018, for conspiracy to distribute heroin. Aguilar was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received sixty months of imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and $400.00 fine. The Wyoming Highway Patrol and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated this case.
PAULO CESAR RODRIGUEZ-LOPEZ, 42, of Jalisco, Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on June 12, 2018, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Rodriguez-Lopez was arrested in Sweetwater County. He received twelve months and one day imprisonment, to be followed by one year of supervised release, was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment, and is subject to deportation upon release from custody. The Office of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated this case.
VICTOR VALENZUELA, 43, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl, on June 11, 2018, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and for conspiracy to launder money. Valenzuela was arrested in Lubbock, Texas. He received one hundred eighty months of imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, was ordered to pay a $200.00 special assessment and a $500.00 fine, and is subject to deportation upon release from custody.
This case results from an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) joint investigation conducted by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service. This investigation resulted in the identification, prosecution and conviction of state defendants and 14 federal defendants on a variety of felony charges related to the distribution of methamphetamine. The principal missionof the OCDETF program is to identify, disruptand dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking andmoney laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for thenation’s illegal drug supply.
DENNIS FRANCIS BOYLE, 54, of Davis, California ,was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on June 11, 2018, for production of child pornography. Boyle was arrested in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He received one hundred sixty-four months of imprisonment, to be followed by a life term of supervised release,and ordered to pay a $5,000.00 Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act Assessment and a $200.00 special assessment. The Department of Homeland Security investigated this case.
JESSIE PATRICK SICOCAN, 22, o fCheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on June 11, 2018, for possession of unregistered firearms. Sicocan was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received thirty months of imprisonment, to be followedby thirty-six months of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment and a $200.00 fine. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together alllevels of law enforcement to reduce violent crimeand make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turningthe tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series ofactions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration ofPSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crimereduction strategy thatincorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
JAMES EDWARD KNIGHT, II, 42, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on June 8, 2018, for tax evasion. Knight was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received three months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and $374,970.00 in restitution. The Internal Revenue Service investigated this case.
Sentencings for June 4, 2018Read the Press Release
OMAR GOMEZ-SALAZAR, 25, of San Luis Potosi, Mexico was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on June 4, 2018 for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Gomez-Salazar was arrested in Platte County, Wyoming. He received time served plus ten days to allow for deportation proceedings and a $100.00 special assessment to be remitted at the time of deportation. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated this case.
MATEO BEDOLLA-AGUILAR, 34, of Tlaxcala, Mexico was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on June 4, 2018 for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Bedolla-Aguilar was arrested in Jackson, Wyoming. He received time served plus ten days to allow for deportation proceedings and a $100.00 special assessment to be remitted at the time of deportation. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated this case.
Sentencings for May 29 - June 1, 2018Read the Press Release
OMAR MIRAMONTES-GRANILLO, 26, of Chihuahua, Mexico was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on May 29, 2018 for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Miramontes-Granillo was arrested in Laramie County, Wyoming. He received time served plus ten days to allow for deportation proceedings and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment at the time of deportation. The U.S. Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated this case.
ROBERTO ROMERO-CALVA, 23, of Hidalgo, Mexico was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on May 31, 2018 for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Romero-Calva was arrested in Mills, Wyoming. He received time served plus ten days to allow for deportation proceedings and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment at the time of deportation. The U.S. Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated this case.
ANGEL MARTINEZ-GARCIA, 46, of Chihuahua, Mexico was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on June 1, 2018 for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Martinez-Garcia was arrested in Johnson County, Wyoming. He received time served plus ten days to allow for deportation proceedings and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment at the time of deportation. The U.S. Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated this case.
Sentencings for May 17 - May 22, 2018Read the Press Release
TAYLOR MICHELLE BOWMAN, 26, of Upland, California was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on May 18, 2018 for transportation in interstate commerce for the purposes of prostitution or other unlawful sexual activity. Taylor was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She received eighteen months of imprisonment, to be followed thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $300.00 fine, and a $100.00 special assessment. The Cheyenne Police Department, FBI, and US Office of Homeland Security investigated this case.
ANTHONY JAMES KELLEY, 27, formerly of Casper, Wyoming was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on May 17, 2018 for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Kelley was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received thirty months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $300.00 fine, and a $100.00 special assessment. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated this case.
ANTHONY MARTIN LAVADOUR, 64, of Salt Lake City, Utah was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on May 22, 2018 for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Lavadour was arrested in Salt Lake City, Utah. He received sixty months of imprisonment, to be followed by forty-eight months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case.
JEROME MARTIN LAVADOUR, 39, of Kearns, Utah was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on May 22, 2018 for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Lavadour was arrested in Salt Lake City, Utah. He received sixty months of imprisonment, to be followed by forty-eight months of supervised release, and ordered to pay community restitution in the amount of $500.00 and a $100.00 special assessment. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case.
KEVIN ALAN SWENSEN, 57, of Taylorsville, Utah was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on May 22, 2018 on four counts of distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and two counts of distribution of heroin. Swensen was arrested in Fremont County, Wyoming. He received ninety-six months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $500.00 fine, restitution in the amount of $11,300.00 and a $700.00 special assessment. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated this case.
TROY ALLEN WATKINS, 50, of Rock Springs, Wyoming was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on May 22, 2018 for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Watkins was arrested in Torrington, Wyoming. He received twenty-three months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100.00 fine. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated this case.
MAICON AVILA-PEREZ, 25, of Mexico and Salt Lake City, Utah was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on May 18, 2018 for possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine. Avila-Perez was arrested in Evanston, Wyoming. He received eighty-four months of imprisonment, to be followed by forty-eight months of supervised release. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated this case.
Sentencings for May 14 - May 17, 2018Read the Press Release
ROBERTO C. MONTIEL, 42, of Hidalgo, Mexico was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on May 14, 2018 for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Montiel was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received time served plus ten days to allow for deportation hearings and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment to be remitted at the time of deportation. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated this case.
JOSE RODOLFO MONTIEL-PEREZ, 20, of Hidalgo, Mexico was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on May 14, 2018 for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Montiel-Perez was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received time served plus ten days to allow for deportation hearings and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment to be remitted at the time of deportation. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated this case.
TORY RAE DIXON, 42, of Cheyenne, Wyoming was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on May 17, 2018 for transportation of child pornography. Dixon was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received one hundred twenty months of imprisonment, to be followed by one hundred twenty months of supervised release, and ordered to pay $100.00 in special assessment. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated this case.
Sentencings for May 9 - May 10, 2018Read the Press Release
FULGENSIO FIGUEROA-MENCIA, 44, of Las Loma, Honduras, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on May 10, 2018 for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Figueroa-Mencia was arrested in Laramie, Wyoming. He received time served, plus 10 days, was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and is subject to deportation upon release from custody. This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
QUENTIN ELDON OLER, 31, of Glenrock, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on May 9, 2018, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Oler was sentenced to 33 months of imprisonment, consecutive to the judgment issued from the Seventh Judicial District Court, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Casper Police Department, the Natrona County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.