District of Wyoming
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Sentencings for May 26 - June 1, 2016Read the Press Release
Randolph Paul Duran, 27, of Ethete, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on June 1, 2016, on two counts of sexual abuse. Duran was arrested in Riverton, Wyoming. He received 63 months imprisonment, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $200.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Andrew Lee Pino, 33, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on May 31, 2016, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Pino was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received 48 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $400.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Craig Alan Demeulenaere, 62, of Victor, Idaho, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on May 26, 2016, for possession with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Demeulenaere was arrested in Hillsboro, Oregon. He received 97 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and restitution in the amount of $900.00. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Sentencings for May 23 - May 25, 2016Read the Press Release
Robert Joseph Aragon, III, 19, of Fort Washakie, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on May 25, 2016, for sexual abuse in Indian Country. Aragon, III was arrested in Fort Washakie, Wyoming. He received 70 months imprisonment, to be followed by 20 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and restitution in the amount of $5,655.52. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Randal Phipps, 34, of Laramie, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on May 23, 2016, for possession of an unregistered firearm, destructive device. Phipps received 24 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $400.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Claudio Varela-Varela, 32, of Mexico, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on May 23, 2016, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Varela-Varela was arrested in Gillette, Wyoming. He was sentenced to time served, plus ten 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. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Allen Joseph Whiteplume, Jr., 30, of Riverton, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on May 23, 2016, for burglary of a post office. Whiteplume, Jr., was arrested in Riverton, Wyoming. He received six months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and restitution in the amount of $2,261.49. This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Sean Allen Mapp, 35, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on May 23, 2016, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Mapp was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received 60 months imprisonment, 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Sentencings for May 16 - May 19, 2016Read the Press Release
Jose Luis Perez-Arias, 31, of Mexico, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on May 19, 2016, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Perez-Arias was arrested in Rock Springs, Wyoming. He received time served, plus ten 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. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Eric Duff, 38, of Wright, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on May 19, 2016, for possession of child pornography. Duff was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He was sentenced to eight months of home confinement, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment, restitution in the amount of $4,000.00 and a Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act assessmernt in the amount of $1,000.00. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Emory Christian, 19, of Fort Washakie, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on May 18, 2016, for assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Christian was arrested in Fort Washakie, Wyoming. He received time served, to be followed by two and a half years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and restitution in the amount of $42,573.01. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Dale Allen Bennett, 39, of Shoshoni, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on May 18, 2016, on two counts of distribution of methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Bennett was arrested in Riverton, Wyoming. He received 130 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a fine of $500.00 and a $400.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Riverton Police Department, the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Joshua Arlint, 33, of Helena, Montana, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on May 18, 2016, for possession of child pornography. Arlint was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received 57 months imprisonment, to be followed by ten years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.0 special assessment and restitution in the amount of $2,000.00. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
James Michael Underwood, 41, of Yakima, Washington, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on May 18, 2016, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Underwood was arrested in Torrington, Wyoming. He received 26 months imprisonment, 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Erik Kane Sehnert, 39, of Cody, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on May 16, 2016, for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and for carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Sehnert received 90 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $200.00 special assessment and restitution in the amount of $1,000.00. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Sentencings for May 6 - May 11, 2016Read the Press Release
Martin James Goggles, 23, of Riverton, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on May 11, 2016, for assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm. Goggles was arrested in Fort Washakie, Wyoming. He received 28 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and restitution in the amount of $396.26. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Lily Jenny Washington, 46, of Fort Washakie, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on May 10, 2016, for assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Washington was arrested in Fort Washakie, Wyoming. She received 34 months imprisonment, 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Alonzo Cecil Burkes, 59, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on May 9, 2016, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Burkes was arrested in Laramie, Wyoming. He received 140 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and restitution in the amount of $2,500.00. 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. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Christopher Allen Ricketson, 33, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on May 6, 2016, for possession of child pornography. Ricketson was arrested in Uinta County, Wyoming. He received 88 months imprisonment, to be followed by ten years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and restitution in the amount of $4,000.00. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Sentencings for May 2 - May 5, 2016Read the Press Release
Jason Brock Latoski, 36, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on May 5, 2016, for being a felon and unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm. Latoski was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received 35 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $400.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Adarus William Greenway, 29, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Nancy D. Freudenthal on May 4, 2016, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and for using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. He received 147 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $400.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Wesley John Niles, 44, of Orin Junction, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on May 3, 2016, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Niles was arrested in Douglas, Wyoming. He received 24 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and restitution in the amount of $200.00. This case results from an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) joint investigation conducted by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Jamie Atilano-Araiza, 27, of Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on May 3, 2016, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Atilano-Araiza was arrested in Greybull, Wyoming. He received six months imprisonment, 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. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Alfredo Romero-Garcia, aka Alfredo Romero, 50, of Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on May 2, 2016, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Romero-Garcia was arrested in Jackson, Wyoming. He received time served, plus ten 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. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Sentencings for April 21 - April 27, 2016Read the Press Release
Jose Martinez-Barrios, 43, of Mexico, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on April 27, 2016, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Martinez-Barrios was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received time served, plus ten 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. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
James Edward Johnston, 57, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on April 25, 2016, for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Johnston was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received 156 months imprisonment, to be followed by four years or supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and restitution in the amount of $500.00. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Brandon Keith Kern, 30, of Crawford, Nebraska, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on April 21, 2016, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Kern was arrested in Sidney, Nebraska. He received 103 months imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and restitution in the amount of $400.00. This case results from an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) joint investigation conducted by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Sentencings for April 15 - April 21, 2016Read the Press Release
Three individuals were sentenced April 21, 2016, by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal for their roles in a methamphetamine conspiracy.
Brittany Dawn Wright, 31, of Wheatland, Wyoming, was sentenced for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and aiding and abetting. Wright was arrested in Wheatland, Wyoming. She received 34 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and restitution in the amount of $200.00.
Edward Anthony Prusik, 52, of Wheatland, Wyoming, was sentenced for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Prusik was arrested in Wheatland, Wyoming. He received 100 months imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and restitution in the amount of $500.00.
Allen Ray Plunkett, 46, of Carr, Colorado, was sentenced for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Plunkett was arrested in Wheatland, Wyoming. He received 108 months imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and restitution in the amount of $400.00.
This case results from an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) joint investigation conducted by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The principal mission of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Filberto Pelayo-Torres, 34, of Mexico, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on April 20, 2016, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Pelayo-Torres was arrested in Gillette, Wyoming. He received time served, plus ten 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. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Abel Najera-Cruz, aka Mariano Najera-Pena, aka Abel Najera-Pena, 30, of Guatemala, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on April 20, 2016, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Najera-Cruz was arrested in Riverton, Wyoming. He received time served, plus ten 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. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Irving Felipe Miranda-Saenz, 28, of Mexico, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on April 20, 2016, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Miranda-Saenz was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received time served, plus ten 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. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Gwenellyn Jackson, 57, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on April 19, 2016, for conspiracy to launder money. Jackson was arrested in Birmingham, Alabama. She received 30 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and a $200.00 fine. This case results from an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) joint investigation conducted by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The principal mission of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Scott Wyman Burgan, 59, of Sheridan, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District court Judge Alan B. Johnson on April 19, 2016, for possession of child pornography. Burgan was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received 41 months imprisonment, to be followed by ten years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment, a $3,000.00 fine and restitution in the amount of $12,000.00. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Mary Elaine Whitney, aka Mary Ellen Whitney, 62, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on April 19, 2016, for wrongful conversion of social security payments. Whitney served as a representative payee for her son who was a beneficiary of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and resident of Circle C Resources Living Facility in Casper. SSI is a cash assistance program provided by the Social Security Administration which assures a minimum level of income to persons who are aged, blind, or disabled and who have limited income and resources. SSI benefits may be paid to a representative payee who is then required to use all of the money for the beneficiary’s care. During a representative payee review audit at the Circle C Resources, it was discovered that
Whitney had not been providing SSI payments to the living facility. Between January 2005 and February 2015, Whitney received over $65,000 in SSI benefits on behalf of her son but then wrongly used the money for her own expenses rather than paying for her son’s needs. Whitney received a sentence of six months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Whitney was also ordered to pay $65,082.44 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General.
Brian James Fenske, 48, of Paynesville, Minnesota, was sentenced April 19, 2016 by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on April 19, 2016, for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Fenske was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received 46 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and restitution in the amount of $250.00. This case was investigated by the Casper Police Department and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Ronald H. Stallings, 49, of Rapid City, South Dakota, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on April 15, 2016, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Stallings was arrested in Gillette, Wyoming. He received 78 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. This case results from an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) joint investigation conducted by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Sentencings for April 7 - April 12, 2016Read the Press Release
Denise Renee Nelson-Marchetti, 46, of Lander, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on April 12, 2016, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Nelson-Marchetti was arrested in Lander, Wyoming. She received two years of probation and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and restitution in the amount of $400.00. 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. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Jose Mejia-Becerril, aka Jose Mejia, aka Jose Mejia Becerrill, aka Jose Meja, 30, of Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on April 12, 2016, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States and for being a felon and illegal alien in possession of a firearm. Mejia-Becerril was arrested in Jackson, Wyoming. He received 30 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, was ordered to pay a $200.00 special assessment, and is subject to deportation upon release from custody. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Mark Edward Aylward, 46, of Littleton, Colorado, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on April 11, 2016, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Aylward was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received 60 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. This case results from an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) joint investigation conducted by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Clark Champion Crow, 36, of Lincoln City, Oregon, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on April 11, 2016, for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or less of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting. Crow was arrested in Rawlins, Wyoming. He received 60 months imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and restitution in the amount of $500.00. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Jose Sosa-Rodriguez, aka Mauricio Garcia-Ramos, 30, of Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on April 11, 2016, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Sosa-Rodriguez was arrested in Jackson, 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 United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Daniel Nathan Bruce, 33, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on April 8, 2016, for being a felon and unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm. Bruce was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received 21 months imprisonment, 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
John William Spoonhunter, 32, of Arapahoe, Wyoming, was sentenced by Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on April 7, 2016, for child abuse. Spoonhunter was arrested in Fort Washakie, Wyoming. He received 60 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and restitution in the amount of $1,020.00. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Sentencings for April 5 - 6, 2016Read the Press Release
Andrew Jivelekas, 60, of Worland, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on April 6, 2016 for wire fraud. Jivelekas appeared pursuant to a summons. He received 12 months imprisonment, to be followed by two years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and restitution in the amount of $25,781.73. Jivelekas fraudulently obtained unemployment benefits from the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, Unemployment Insurance Division ("Workforce Services"). Jivelekas invented a sham company and submitted quarterly reports to Workforce Services in which he falsely reported earnings by various purported employees, including himself, none of whom actually worked for the company. Jivelekas repeatedly filed for unemployment benefits in the names of the purported employees, claiming they had been laid off. This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service.
Dustin Blaine Headley, 25, of Arapahoe, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on April 5, 2016, for assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Headley was arrested in Arapahoe, Wyoming. He received 28 months imprisonment, 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 Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Luis Enrique Monreal-Lovatos, aka Luis Monreal-Lovatos, aka Carlos Rodriguez-Lovars, 37, of Mexico, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on April 5, 2016, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Monreal-Lovatos was arrested in Worland, Wyoming. He received time served, plus ten 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. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Travis Alan Schone, 36, of Riverton, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on April 5, 2016, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting. Schone was arrested in Fremont County, Wyoming. He received 39 months imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and
was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and restitution in the amount of $400.00. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Utah Resident Convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Christopher A. Crofts announced today that Salt Lake City, Utah resident Karen Michelle Cox has been convicted in federal court. A jury found Cox guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine after a five-day jury trial in the United States District Court in Cheyenne. Cox will be sentenced at a later date by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson. Cox faces a minimum sentence of ten years.
This case results from an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) joint investigation conducted by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie I. Sprecher with the assistance of lead investigator, Special Agent Cody Ruiz with the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Former Cheyenne, Wyoming Resident Christopher Sean Koegl Sentenced for False Statement and Fraud to Obtain Federal Employees' CompensationRead the Press Release
Cheyenne – U.S. Attorney Christopher A. Crofts announced today that forty-five year old Colonial Heights, Virginia, resident Christopher Sean Koegl was sentenced on March 28, 2016, by United States District Court Judge Alan Johnson to serve thirty-six (36) months of probation and to pay approximately $31,090 in restitution to the United States government for making false and fraudulent statements to obtain federal workers’ compensation benefits. In addition to this sentence, Koegl will no longer receive federal workers’ compensation benefits as a result of this felony conviction.
Koegl is a former resident of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and a former U.S. Postal Service employee who injured his knee on the job and began receiving federal workers’ compensation benefits in 2010. These benefits were paid by the U.S. Department of Labor. As a federal workers’ compensation beneficiary, Koegl was required to immediately report if he returned to work or obtained new employment. Koegl was also required to immediately return any benefit payment which he received for a period in which he worked.
In September 2014, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation agents served a search warrant on Koegl’s Cheyenne residence and seized evidence of drug distribution. When interviewed by agents, Koegl admitted selling heroin in Cheyenne beginning around July 2013. Following the interview, Koegl was arrested and charged with possession of heroin with intent to deliver in violation of Wyoming state law. Koegl pleaded guilty and was sentenced by the state court to 5 years’ probation.
As charged in the indictment, on April 15, 2014, Koegl submitted a false form to the Department of Labor which reported that he was not self-employed or involved in any business activities between January 2013 and April 2014. This statement was false because Koegl was selling heroin in Cheyenne between July 2013 and April 2014.
"The Office of Inspector General is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who defraud Department of Labor programs, in this case the Federal Employees' Compensation Act program, are held accountable," stated Steven Grell, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations.
The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General’s Executive Special Agent in Charge Joanne Yarbrough said, "The American public trusts that U.S. Postal Service employees will obey the law. When an employee of the Postal Service violates that trust, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS OIG) thoroughly investigates those matters. It should be noted the overwhelming majority of Postal Service employees are honest, hardworking, and trustworthy individuals who would never consider engaging in any criminal behavior. The behavior described in this sentencing is not tolerated within the Postal Service. Workers' compensation benefits are for those who are truly injured and this sentencing sends a clear message that workers' compensation fraud is a federal crime, which carries serious consequences. The USPS OIG, along with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney's Office, remain committed to safeguarding the integrity of the Worker's Compensation program and ensuring the accountability and integrity of U.S. Postal Service employees."
Cheyenne Man Sentenced for Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Jacob Nichols, 25, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on March 29, 2016, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of heroin and for carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Nichols was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received 120 months imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $200.00 special assessment and restitution in the amount of $300.00. This case was investigated by the Cheyenne Police Department.
Sentencings for March 21 - March 22, 2016Read the Press Release
Amber Blane Redick, 32, of Riverton, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on March 22, 2016, for distribution of 50 grams or less of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting. Redick was arrested in Fremont County, Wyoming. She received 24 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and restitution in the amount of $200.00. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Ann Reed, 24, of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on March 21, 2016, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or less of methamphetamine. Reed was arrested in Denver, Colorado. She received three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Richard Shelby Schutt, Jr., 48, of Lingle, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on March 21, 2016, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Schutt was arrested in Torrington. He received 78 months imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and restitution in the amount of $500.00. This case results from an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) joint investigation conducted by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Sentencings for March 14, 2016Read the Press Release
Andrew Paul Jack, 51, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on March 14, 2016, for attempted online solicitation of a minor. Jack was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received 120 months imprisonment, to be followed by ten years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Jake Edwin Bradshaw, of Lyman, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on March 14, 2016, for being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm. Bradshaw was arrested in Lyman, Wyoming. He received five months imprisonment, 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Sentencings for February 26 - March 3, 2016Read the Press Release
Jayde Mucklow, 29, of Englewood, Colorado, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on March 3, 2016, for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and aiding and abetting. Mucklow was arrested in Denver, Colorado. She received 66 months imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $250.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case results from an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) joint investigation conducted by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Jose Pena-Garcia, aka Jose Garcia, 27, of Mexico, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on March 3, 2016, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Pena-Garcia was arrested in Gillette, 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. Department of Homeland Security.
Julia Cesar Munoz-Hernandez, aka Emiliano Martinez, aka Julio Hernandez, 30, of Mexico, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on March 3, 2016, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Munoz-Hernandez was arrested in Gillette, 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. Department of Homeland Security.
Daniel Serrano-Alvarado, 41, of Mexico, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on March 3, 2016, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Serrano-Alvarado was arrested in Casper, 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. Department of Homeland Security.
Jose Yanez-Salinas, 27, of Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on March 1, 2016, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Yanez-Salinas was arrested in Jackson, 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. Department of Homeland Security.
Jose Luis Cruz-Ramos, 40, of Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on March 1, 2016, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Cruz-Ramos was arrested in Jackson, 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. Department of Homeland Security.
Raymond Austin Roberts, 39, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on February 26, 2016, for possession with intent to distribute a mixture of substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Roberts was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received 130 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $500.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Sentencings for February 18 - February 25, 2016Read the Press Release
Patrick Dort, 44, of Odessa, New York, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on February 25, 2016, for failure to register as a sex offender. Dort was arrested in Ithaca, New York. He received 22 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $200.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service.
Ricky Lee Good Left, 33, of Fort Washakie, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on February 24, 2016, for felony child abuse. Good Left was arrested in Fort Washakie, Wyoming. He received 16 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $200.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Robert James Ybarra, 28, of Riverton, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on February 24, 2016, on two counts of distribution of methamphetamine. Ybarra was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received 41 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $200.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Luke Horneck, 22, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on February 23, 2016, for travel with intent to engage in illegal sexual conduct. Horneck was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received five months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $4,877.40 and a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Casper Police Department, the Natrona County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Ashley Larae Tidzump, 33, of Fort Washakie, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on February 19, 2016, for assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm. Tidzump was arrested in Fort Washakie, Wyoming. She received 31 months imprisonment, 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 Bureau of Indian Affairs.
JC Christopher Pulham, 43, of Evanston, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on February 18, 2016, for possession of child pornography. Pulham was arrested in Evanston, Wyoming. He received 97 months imprisonment, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $300.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Michael Miles, 67, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on February 18, 2016, for sexual contact with a minor. Miles was arrested in Las Vegas, Nevada. He received 60 months imprisonment, to be followed by ten years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a Victims of Trafficking Act special assessment of $5,000.00 and restitution in the amount of $514.00. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Sentencings for February 11 - February 18, 2016Read the Press Release
James Patrick Mahoney, 31, of Torrington, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on February 18, 2016, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Mahoney was arrested in Torrington, Wyoming. He received 63 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $300.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Maria Lynn Caparotta, 25, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on February 16, 2016, for possession with intent to distribute less than 50 grams of heroin. Caparotta was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She received 41 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $400.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Cheyenne Police Department.
Simone Marie Mandan, 20, of Riverton, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on February 11, 2016, for assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Mandan was arrested in Riverton, Wyoming. She received 33 months imprisonment, to be followed by two years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Sentencings for February 5 - February 9, 2016Read the Press Release
Kenneth J. Canero, 39, of Buffalo, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on February 9, 2016, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Canero was arrested in Gillette, Wyoming. He received 60 months imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $200.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case results from an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) joint investigation conducted by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Gabriel Tena-Bencomo, aka Gabriel Gutierrez, 29, of Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on February 8, 2016, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Tena-Bencomo was arrested in Jackson, Wyoming. He received 13 months imprisonment, to be followed by two years of supervised release, 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. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Josue Tzompa-Ramirez, 30, of Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on February 8, 2016, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Tzompa-Ramirez was arrested in Jackson, Wyoming. He received 13 months imprisonment, to be followed by two years of supervised release, 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. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Michael D. Backes, 39, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on February 5, 2016, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Backes was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received 120 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of
supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $500.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case results from an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) joint investigation conducted by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Sentencings for January 28 & February 1, 2016Read the Press Release
Susan Spraker, aka Susan Stricker, 40, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on February 1, 2016, for distribution of 50 grams or less of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Spraker was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She received 60 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $200.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Timothy Michael Wells, 47, of Laramie, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on January 28, 2016, for sexual exploitation of a child; coercion and enticement; incest; and abusive sexual contact. Wells was arrested in Laramie, Wyoming. He received 180 months imprisonment, to be followed by ten years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $500.00 fine and a $400.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Sentencings for January 22 - January 27, 2016Read the Press Release
Kimberly Erin Smith, 34, of Green River, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on January 27, 2016, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Smith was arrested in Green River, Wyoming. She received 70 months imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $400.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Justin Dix, 35, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on January 25, 2016, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Dix was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received 160 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $300.00 fine and a $200.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Cheyenne Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Julia Flock, 54, of Torrington, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on January 25, 2016, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Flock was arrested in Torrington, Wyoming. She received 37 months imprisonment, 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 Cheyenne Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Nikki J. Juneman, 24, of Longview, Washington, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on January 25, 2016, for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting. Juneman was arrested in Rawlins, Wyoming. She received 60 months imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Ramon Erek Slater, 26, of Laramie, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on January 25, 2016, for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Slater was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received 41 months imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $300.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Brian William Price, 47, of Lovell, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on January 25, 2016, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Price was arrested in Torrington, Wyoming. He received 30 months imprisonment, to be followed by two years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $200.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Sarah Ward, 27, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on January 22, 2016, for conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and for possession with intent to distribute heroin. Ward was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She received 37 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $300.00 fine and a $200.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Cheyenne Police Department.
Sentencing for January 19, 2016Read the Press Release
Rafael Alberto Gonzalez-Medina, 24, of Mexico, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on January 19, 2016, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Gonzalez-Medina was arrested in Gillette, Wyoming. He received time served, plus ten 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. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Sentencings for January 11 - January 13, 2016Read the Press Release
Bradley Lee McGirr, 46, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on January 13, 2016, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. McGirr was arrested in Gillette, Wyoming. He received 300 months imprisonment, to be followed by ten years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $100.00 special assessment. This case results from an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) joint investigation conducted by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Michael Crain, 29, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl o January 13, 2016, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Crain was arrested in Wheatland, Wyoming. He received 120 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $500.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case results from an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) joint investigation conducted by the Wyoming Highway Patrol, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
John Thomas Kady, 34, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on January 11, 2016, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Kady was arrested in Gillette, Wyoming. He received 120 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. This case results from an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) joint investigation conducted by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Wyoming Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Cheyenne – U.S. Attorney Christopher A. Crofts announced today that thirty-nine year old Casper, Wyoming resident Harold Creighton has been sentenced to life imprisonment in federal court.
Creighton was convicted on November 2, 2015 after a jury of 12 persons found him guilty of conspiracy to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine. During trial, the United States presented witnesses who established that Creighton purchased methamphetamine from various sources of supply outside the state of Wyoming in quantities ranging from ¼ pound to in excess of 1 pound. Creighton distributed the methamphetamine in communities throughout Wyoming (including Casper, Wyoming) between early 2014 through May of 2015. Prior to the start of trial on October 26, 2015 and during trial, Creighton made efforts to tamper with witness testimony and intimidate witnesses testifying against him.
Creighton has an extensive criminal history including four separate drug related felony offenses; one felon in possession of firearm conviction for which he served 110 months in federal custody; a variety of assault convictions, as well as a history of parole and probation violations.
The United States sought a mandatory life sentence based on Creighton’s prior drug felony convictions, his role in the offense, gun carrying and violence, as well as other aggravating factors.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Sprecher and results from an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) joint investigation conducted by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Sentencings for January 4, 2016 - January 8, 2016Read the Press Release
Barry Barrera, 32, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on January 8, 2016, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Barrera was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received 68 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $300.00 fine and a $200.00 special assessment. This case results from an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) joint investigation conducted by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Cassandra Long, 27, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on January 7, 2016, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Long was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. She received 54 months imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $300.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case results from an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) joint investigation conducted by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Steve Rawlings, 36, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on January 7, 2016, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and for being a felon in possession of firearms. Rawlings was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received 70 months imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $250.00 fine and a $200.00 special assessment. 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Troy Starrett, 44, of Fort Collins, Colorado, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on January 5, 2016, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Starrett was arrested in Fort Collins, Colorado. He received 70 months imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. This case results from an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) joint investigation conducted by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Prospero Garcia-Valle, 34, of Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on January 5, 2016, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Garcia-Valle was arrested in Jackson, Wyoming. He received time served, plus ten 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. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Paul Presley Reed, 26, of Sparks, Nevada, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on January 4, 2016, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Reed was arrested in Rawlins, Wyoming. He received 60 months imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Sentencings for December 29, 2015Read the Press Release
Alejo Mijares-Chaves, aka Alejo Minares-Chavez, Pedro Najera-Mijares, Nacho Mijares-Chaves, 44, of Mexico, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on December 29, 2015, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Mijares-Chaves was arrested in Wheatland, 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. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Arturo Bustos-Alcantar, aka Arturo Alcantar Bustos, Arturo Diego-Bustos, Alcantar Arturo, 42, of Mexico, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on December 29, 2015, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Bustos-Alcantar was arrested in Wheatland, 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. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Wyoming Woman Sentenced to Prison for Theft from Healthcare Clinic and Non-ProfitRead the Press Release
Cheyenne – U.S. Attorney Christopher A. Crofts announced today that thirty-seven year old Sheridan, Wyoming, resident Alecia Rae Bolton was sentenced by Chief United States District Court Judge Nancy Freudenthal to serve fifty-one (51) months in prison for bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. In addition, Judge Freudenthal ordered Bolton to pay approximately $86,000 in restitution to the victims of her fraud.
These charges arose from Bolton’s theft of approximately $23,000 from the Sheridan chapter of Trout Unlimited and approximately $63,000 from her former employer Cedars Health Clinics between February 2014 and April 2015. Specifically, as the volunteer treasurer of the Little Big Horn Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Bolton wrote unauthorized checks from the group’s checking account to pay her personal expenses. To accomplish and conceal this fraud, Bolton forged the signatures of other Trout Unlimited officers on various checks. As an office employee and accounts receivable manager for Cedars Health Clinics, Bolton stole patient payments made to the clinic by depositing checks and transferring electronic payments into accounts she controlled. In addition to stealing patient payments, Defendant Bolton stole Cedars’ money by writing unauthorized checks from the clinic’s bank account. In doing so, Bolton forged the signature of another Cedars’ employee on the unauthorized checks.
This case was investigated by the Sheridan Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Heimann.
Sentencings for December 18 - December 23, 2015Read the Press Release
Angela Kenney, 32, of Parker, Colorado, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on December 23, 2015, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Kenney was arrested in Denver, Colorado. She received 177 months imprisonment, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $750.00 fine and a $200.00 special assessment. 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Samuel Briseno, 34, of Lovell, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on December 22, 2015, for production of child pornography. Briseno was arrested in Lovell, Wyoming. He received 180 months imprisonment, to be followed by ten years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Lovell Police Department, and the Big Horn County Attorney’s Office.
Allison Martin, 21, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on December 18, 2015, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Martin appeared pursuant to a summons. She received 36 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. This case results from an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) joint investigation conducted by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Krystle McCann, 31, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on December 18, 2015, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. McCann was arrested in Gillette, Wyoming. She received 37 months imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $200.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case results from an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) joint investigation conducted by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Wyoming Man Sentenced for Arson of Building Receiving Federal Funds; Using a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; Possession of an Unregistered Firearm; and False Declaration Before a Grand Jury (U.S. Attorney for the District of WyomingRead the Press Release
Cheyenne – U.S. Attorney Christopher A. Crofts announced today that Sheridan, Wyoming resident Joel S. Elliott has been sentenced to thirty-seven (37) years of imprisonment in federal court, consecutive to time being served on separate state charges. In addition to his term of imprisonment, Elliott was ordered to pay a $400.00 special assessment, restitution in the amount of $940,000.00, and will be placed on five years of supervised release upon release from federal custody.
In June 2014, Joel Elliot fire bombed the Sheridan County Attorney’s Office. After a four-day jury trial in the U.S. District Court in Casper, a jury found him guilty on all counts related to that fire: arson of building receiving federal funds; using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; possession of an unregistered firearm; and false declaration before a Grand Jury.
"The Defendant created a substantial risk of injury to other persons, including public safety officers engaged in the performance of their duties. The trial team on this case did an excellent job, from investigation through the successful prosecution of Joel Elliott in this matter," said United States Attorney Crofts.
"I want to commend the ATF agents, Wyoming United States Attorney’s Office and Sheridan Police Department for their outstanding investigation and prosecution in this case. Elliott won’t be able to wreak any more havoc on his community for a very long time," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Ken Croke. "This substantial prison sentence should be a warning to anyone who thinks arson is acceptable in any circumstance."
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Sheridan Police Department and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart S. Healy III.
Sentencings for December 11 - December 17, 2015Read the Press Release
Roman Palma-Flores, aka Ivan Ubence Cantarero-Hernandez, 43, of Honduras, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on December 17, 2015, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Palma-Flores was arrested in Buffalo, 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. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Jesus Fragozzo-Guarneros, aka Jesus Fragoso-Guarneros, 39, of Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on December 17, 2015, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Fragozzo-Guarneros was arrested in Rock Springs, Wyoming. He received six months imprisonment, 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. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Afam Muojeke, 28, of Laurelton, New York, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on December 15, 2015, for attempting to pass counterfeit obligations. Muojeke was arrested in Laurelton, New York. He received nine months unsupervised probation and was ordered to pay a $500.00 fine, a $100.00 special assessment and restitution in the amount of $40.00. This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service.
Brent Peterson, 51, of Magna, Utah, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on December 14, 2015, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Peterson was arrested in Salt Lake City, Utah. He received 135 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $500.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. 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. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
David Scott Goodwin, 44, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on December 14, 2015, for attempted receipt of child pornography. Goodwin was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received 72 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $400.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Sergio Miranda-Velazquez, aka Felipe Corona-Hernandez, 33, of Mexico, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on December 14, 2015, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Miranda-Velazquez was arrested in Gillette, Wyoming. He received 16 months imprisonment, 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. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Jesus Gomez-Valle, 30, of Mexico, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on December 14, 2015, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Gomez-Valle was arrested in Sheridan, 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. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Shasta Klistine Wesaw, 34, of Ft. Washakie, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on December 11, 2015, for distributing five grams or less of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting. Wesaw was arrested in Riverton, Wyoming. She received five months imprisonment, 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 Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Sentencing for December 9, 2015Read the Press Release
Salvador Machuca-Chavez, 51, of Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on December 9, 2015, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Machuca-Chavez was arrested in Rawlins, Wyoming. He received time served, plus ten 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. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Wyoming U.S. Attorney's Office Collects $5,355,903 in Civil and Criminal Actions for U.S. Taxpayers in Fiscal Year 2015Read the Press Release
Cheyenne – U.S. Attorney Christopher A. “Kip” Crofts announced today that the District of Wyoming U.S. Attorney’s Office collected $5,355,903 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2015. Of this amount, $3,801,862 was collected in criminal actions and $1,554,041 was collected in civil actions.
Additionally, the District of Wyoming worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect $272,780 in cases pursued jointly with these offices.
Attorney General Loretta Lynch announced on December 3rd that the Justice Department collected $23.1 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2015.
The more than $23 billion in collections in FY 2015 represents nearly seven and a half times the appropriated $2.93 billion budget for the 94 U.S. Attorney’s offices and the main litigating divisions in that same period.
“The Department of Justice is committed to upholding the rule of law, safeguarding taxpayer resources, and protecting the American people from exploitation and abuse,” said Attorney General Loretta Lynch. “The collections we are announcing today demonstrate not only the strength of that commitment, but also the significant return on public investment that our actions deliver. I want to thank the prosecutors and trial attorneys who made this achievement possible, and to reiterate our dedication to this ongoing work.”
“I am quite proud of the efforts of the Wyoming U.S. Attorney’s Office in collecting significantly more than the cost of operating the office and for once again providing tremendous value to the American taxpayers,” said U.S. Attorney Crofts.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is
paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal financial, health, safety, civil rights and environmental laws. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Administration and Department of Education.
The total includes all monies collected as a result of Justice Department-led enforcement actions and negotiated civil settlements. It includes more than $16.2 billion in payments made directly to the Justice Department and more than $6.8 billion in indirect payments made to other federal agencies, states and other designated recipients.
Sentencings for December 1 - December 2, 2015Read the Press Release
Starr Dana Miller, 22, of Arapahoe, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on December 2, 2015, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Miller was arrested on the Wind River Indian Reservation. He received 37 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $300.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Stormie Forrester, 38, of Riverton, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on December 2, 2015, for distribution of methamphetamine. Forrester was arrested in Riverton, Wyoming. She received 147 days of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, including five months of home confinement, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Matthew Charles Cook, 42, of Evanston, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on December 2, 2015, for distribution of methamphetamine. Cook was arrested in Evanston, Wyoming. He received 87 months imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $400.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Oscar Calderon-Galeano, aka Jose Vasquez-Rodriguez, Jose Rodriguez-Vasquez and Jose Hernandez-Herrera, 33, of Mexico, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on December 1, 2015, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Calderon-Galeano was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received time served, plus ten 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. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Emilio Chavez-Alcantara, 35, of Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on December 1, 2015, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Chavez-Alcantara was arrested in Lander, Wyoming. He received time served, plus ten 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. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Sentencings for November 13 - November 19, 2015Read the Press Release
William J. Jeffress, 31, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on November 19, 2015, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Jeffress was arrested in Gillette, Wyoming. He received 120 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $500.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case results from an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) joint investigation conducted by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Travis N. Taylor, 35, of Buffalo, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on November 19, 2015, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Taylor was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received 87 months imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. This case results from an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) joint investigation conducted by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Colin Dean Amos, 26, of Ethete, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on November 17, 2015, for assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Amos was arrested in Riverton, Wyoming. He received 45 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. Restitution in this case will be determined at a later time. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Juan Pablo Vasquez-Campos, 32, of Mexico, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on November 13, 2015, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Vasquez-Campos was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received time served, plus ten 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. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Jeremy Glenn Steeley, 38, of Fort Scott, Kansas, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on November 13, 2015, for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Steeley was arrested in Rawlins, Wyoming. He received 57 months imprisonment, 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 Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Sentencings for November 10 - November 12, 2015Read the Press Release
Antonio Moncada, Jr., 44, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on November 12, 2015, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Moncada, Jr., was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received 240 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $1,000.00 fine and a $200.00 special assessment. This case results from an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) joint investigation conducted by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
John Goodman, 21, of Ethete, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on November 10, 2015, for assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to cause bodily harm. Goodman was arrested in Riverton, Wyoming. He received 45 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. Restitution in this case will be determined at a later time. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Victor Vidal Rodriguez-Erazo, 38, of Honduras, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on November 10, 2015, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Rodriguez-Erazo was arrested in Rock Springs, Wyoming. He received 57 months imprisonment, 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. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Sentencings for November 2 - November 4, 2015Read the Press Release
Armando Lopez-Ruiz aka Alejandro Garcia-Ramos, Alejandro Garcia-Ralu, 33, of Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson November 2, 2015, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Lopez-Ruiz was arrested in Jackson, Wyoming. He received time served, plus ten 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. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Noah Vonwerner, 28, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on November 3, 2015, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Vonwerner was arrested in Gillette, Wyoming. He received 180 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. This case results from an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) joint investigation conducted by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Christopher Phillips, 32, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on November 4, 2015, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Phillips was arrested in Gillette, Wyoming. He received 121 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $400.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case results from an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) joint investigation conducted by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Wyoming Man Convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Christopher A. Crofts announced today that Casper resident Harold "Creature" Creighton has been convicted in federal court. A jury found Creighton guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine after a five-day jury trial in the United States District Court in Casper. Creighton will be sentenced at a later date by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl. Creighton faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
This case results from an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) joint investigation conducted by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie I. Sprecher.
Wyoming Man Sentenced for Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming Christopher A. Crofts announced today that on October 28, 2015, Justin Hayes, 40, was sentenced in federal magistrate court to 104 days imprisonment on one count of assaulting, resisting, opposing, and interfering with a federal officer, in connection with an incident in which he blew blood into the face of a Bureau of Indian Affairs, Wind River Police Department Officer while the officer was attempting to get Hayes into a jail cell. Following imprisonment, Hayes will serve one year of supervised probation during which time he was ordered to attend recommended alcohol treatment and pay restitution in the amount of $285 among other terms and conditions. Hayes was also ordered to pay a $25 special assessment.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Wyoming Man Convicted of Sexual Exploitation of a Child, Attempted Coercion and Enticement, Incest, and Abusive Sexual ContactRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Christopher A. Crofts announced today that Laramie resident Timothy Michael Wells has been convicted in federal court. A jury found Wells guilty of sexual exploitation of a child, attempted coercion and enticement, incest, and abusive sexual contact after a three-day jury trial in the United States District Court in Cheyenne. Wells is scheduled to be sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on January 12, 2016.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Wyoming Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas A. Szott and James C. Anderson.
Sentencing for October 23, 2015Read the Press Release
Jeffrey Dale Harrison, 28, of Rock Springs, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on October 23, 2015, for being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person subject to domestic violence protective order. Harrison was arrested in Sweetwater County, Wyoming. He received 42 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $400.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Rock Springs Police Department, the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Sentencings for October 23 - October 29, 2015Read the Press Release
Roberto Crispin Salinas-Garcia, 34, of Mexico, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on October 29, 2015, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Salinas-Garcia was arrested in Gillette, Wyoming. He received time served, plus ten 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. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Dale Peden, 52, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on October 28, 2015, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Peden was arrested in Gillette, Wyoming. He received 180 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $1,000.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case results from an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) joint investigation conducted by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Stacy Amanda Deming, 31, of Sparks, Nevada, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on October 26, 2015, for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting. Deming was arrested in Rawlins, Wyoming. She received 120 months imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $500.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Dylan Lee Smith, 21, of Modesto, California, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on October 26, 2015, for simple possession of marijuana. Smith was arrested in Rawlins, Wyoming. He received time served, placed on six months supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Katie Collins, 35, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on October 23, 2015, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Collins was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. She received 57 months imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $400.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case results from an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) joint investigation conducted by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Sentencings for October 19 - October 21, 2015Read the Press Release
Estibe Garcia-Perez, 30, of Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on October 21, 2015, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Garcia-Perez was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received time served, plus ten 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. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
William Cullen Grubbs, 61, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on October 21, 2015, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and for distribution of less than 50 grams of methamphetamine near a school. Grubbs was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received 60 months imprisonment, to be followed by six years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $2,000.00 fine and a $200.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Heather Lee Street, 39, of Mills, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on October 20, 2015, for conspiracy to distribute morphine and oxycodone. Street was arrested in Mills, Wyoming. She received six months imprisonment, 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 Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Robert Underkofler, 44, of Wheatland, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on October 19, 2015, for possession of child pornography. Underkofler was arrested in Guernsey, Wyoming. He received time served, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, with the first four months on home confinement. Underkofler was ordered to pay a $1,000.00 fine, restitution in the amount of $8000.00, and a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Wyoming Man Sentenced for Involuntary Manslaughter and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming Christopher A. Crofts announced today that on October 13, 2015, Jared Michael Romero, 22, was sentenced in federal court to 10 months of home confinement and 2 years of Supervised Release on one count of involuntary manslaughter, and one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury, in connection with an incident involving Romero causing the death of his 19 year old passenger, Clay Walters, in a drunk driving crash. Romero was also ordered to pay $145,489.86 in restitution for medical expenses incurred by a second victim who survived the crash. As part of his sentence, Romero will participate in victim impact panels and other anti-drunk driving forums, speaking publicly about the consequences of drunk driving. Romero will also be required to obtain an alcohol evaluation, follow through with all treatment recommendations, participate in cognitive and behavioral treatment, submit to searches of his person and residence upon reasonable cause and follow all rules of his supervising U.S. Probation officer. Romero was also ordered to pay a $200 special assessment in addition to other terms and conditions.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Fremont County Sheriff’s Department and the Wyoming Highway Patrol.
Sentencings for October 8 - October 15, 2015Read the Press Release
Paul E. Draper, 35, of Hanna, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on October 15, 2015, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Draper was arrested in Hanna, Wyoming. He received 33 months imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $250.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Beau Spain, 38, of Sacramento, California, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on October 15, 2015, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Spain was arrested in Sacramento, California. He received 120 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $900.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Celestino Roberto Sandoval, 78, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on October 14, 2015, on three counts of distribution of cocaine and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Sandoval was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received 24 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Wayne Brandon Day, 25, of Lander, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on October 8, 2015, for possession of child pornography. Day was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received 18 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and restitution in the amount of $2,000.00. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Wyoming Man Convicted for Arson of Building Receiving Federal Funds; Using a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; Possession of an Unregistered Firearm; and False Declaration Before a Grand JuryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Christopher A. Crofts announced today that Sheridan, Wyoming resident Joel S. Elliott has been convicted in federal court.
In June 2014, Joel Elliot fire bombed the Sheridan County Attorney’s Office. Yesterday, after a four-day jury trial in the U.S. District Court in Casper, a jury found him guilty on all counts related to that fire: arson of building receiving federal funds; using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; possession of an unregistered firearm; and false declaration before a Grand Jury. Elliott is scheduled to be sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on December 18, 2015.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Sheridan Police Department and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart S. Healy III.
Sentencings for October 2 - October 6, 2015Read the Press Release
Charles Magovern, 67, of Boulder, Colorado, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on October 6, 2015, for entry of goods, that is, paleontological specimens, by means of false statements and aiding abetting. He received one year supervised probation and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. Pursuant to an agreement with the Government, the Defendant returned all fossils under his control. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Jennifer R. Sorrells, 34, of Fair Oaks, California, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on October 6, 2015, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Sorrells was arrested in Rawlins, Wyoming. She received 135 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $500.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Fernando Beltran-Mendoza, 50, of Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on October 2, 2015, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Beltran-Mendoza was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received time served, plus ten 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. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Fermin Cortes-Cruz, aka Fernando Cortez-Zarate, 24, of Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on October 2, 2015, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Cortes-Cruz was arrested in Sheridan, Wyoming. He received time served, plus ten 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. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Wyoming Man Sentenced for Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming Christopher A. Crofts announced today that on September 30, 2015, Carlos Jonas Goggles, 27, was sentenced in federal court to 37 months imprisonment on one count of sexual abuse of a minor in connection with an incident involving a minor victim on the Wind River Reservation. Goggles was recommended for sex offender specific treatment and a residential drug and alcohol treatment program while imprisoned. Following imprisonment, Goggles will be placed on five years of supervised release with special conditions that he not be allowed to associate with children or vulnerable adults. Goggles was also ordered to pay a $400.00 fine and $100.00 special assessment in addition to other terms and conditions. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Sentencings for September 17 - September 29, 2015Read the Press Release
Ronald Kenneth Stankus, 39, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on September 29, 2015, for carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Stankus was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received 150 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $500.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Louis Hoopes, 44, of Lyman, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on September 22, 2015, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute no less than 200 grams of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Hoopes was arrested in Salt Lake City, Utah. He received 70 months imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $400.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case results from an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) joint investigation conducted by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Beverly Hardy, 53, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on September 17, 2015, for distribution of methamphetamine and distribution of oxycodone. Hardy was arrested in Las Vegas, Nevada. She received 60 months imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $400.00 fine and a $200.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Washakie County Sheriff’s Office, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Postal Service Inspector.
Sentencings for September 14 - September 24, 2015Read the Press Release
Marshall Glenn McGinty, 44, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on September 24, 2015, for being a felon in possession of a firearm; carjacking; and using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence. McGinty was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received 204 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $300.00 special assessment and restitution in the amount of $5,338.87. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Jason Roger Moore, 36, of Laramie, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on September 22, 2015, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Moore was arrested in Laramie, Wyoming. He received 36 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $150.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Shelly Lynn McElroy, 46, of Salt Lake City, Utah, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on September 14, 2015, for conspiracy to distribute at least 50 grams of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. McElroy was arrested in Utah. She received 110 months imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $500.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. 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, Criminal Investigation Office. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Wyoming Man Charged with Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a ChildRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming Christopher A. Crofts announced today that on September 16, 2015, John William Spoonhunter, 31, was charged with aggravated sexual abuse of a child in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 2241(c) and 1153 in connection with allegations occurring on the Wind River Indian Reservation. Spoonhunter is facing not less than thirty years nor more than life imprisonment; and a $250,000 fine; a $250 special assessment and possible restitution costs. An indictment and complaint are 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 beyond a reasonable doubt. The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Sentencings for September 4 - 9, 2015Read the Press Release
Vincent Maria, 31, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on September 9, 2015, for conspiracy to distribute at least 500 grams of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Maria was arrested in Rawlins, Wyoming. He received 106 months plus 21 days of imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $900.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case results from an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) joint investigation conducted by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Eric Matthew Vasilisin, 31, of Springfield, Missouri, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on September 9, 2015, for possession of child pornography. Vasilisin was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received 41 months imprisonment, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Oscar Rodriguez-Melchor, 28, of Mexico, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on September 4, 2015, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Rodriguez-Melchor was arrested in Rock Springs, Wyoming. He received 12 months imprisonment, 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. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.