District of Wyoming
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Sentences for Decmber 10 - 12, 2013Read the Press Release
Raul Ramirez-Bravo, a/k/a Javier Bravo Refugio Servin, 44, of Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on December 12, 2013, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Ramirez-Bravo 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.
Nicole Rae Presfield, 32, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on December 11, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Presfield was arrested in Meeteetse, Wyoming. She received 132 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and a $400.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Raymond Lee Norcutt, 57, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on December 10, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Norcutt was arrested in Meeteetse, Wyoming. He received 121 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and a $900.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Wyoming Woman Sentenced for Negligent Homicide by VehicleRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming Christopher A. Crofts announced that on December 4, 2013, Robin Neubauer, a 29 year old tribal descendant, was sentenced for negligent homicide by vehicle in connection with an incident on August 10, 2012 in which she struck and killed Rex Coando, a 61 year old member of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe. Ms. Neubauer was sentenced by United States Magistrate Judge Teresa McKee to one year supervised probation with three months home confinement; work release; $2,866.00 restitution; a $2,000.00 fine and a $25.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Sentences for Decmber 02 - 03, 2013Read the Press Release
Quang Vu Nguyen, 30, of San Jose, California, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on December 3, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to manufacture 36.3 kilograms of marijuana. Nguyen was arrested in San Jose, California. He received 30 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and a $400.00 fine. This case was investigated by Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Lisa Renee Williams, 40, of Berthoud, Colorado, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on December 2, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing approximately three ounces of methamphetamine. Williams was arrested in Berthoud, Colorado. She received 70 months imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and a $200.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Stanley J. Jones, 59, of Otto, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on December 2, 2013, for realty trespass and for grazing trespass on public land administered by the Bureau of Land Management. Jones received two years of supervised probation and was ordered to pay a $75.00 special assessment. The Court also ordered Jones to pay $3,000.00 fine which is contingent on Jones erecting new fences and repairing existing fences and removing his person property from public lands within six months. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Land Management’s Worland Field Office.
North Dakota Woman Sentenced for Conversion of Tribal FundsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming Christopher A. Crofts announced that on December 3, 2013, former Executive Director of the Eastern Shoshone Housing Authority, Joanne Lynn Seesequasis, a 45 year old Eastern Shoshone Tribal member, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal to three years of probation, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and $45,544.66 in restitution. Ms. Seesequasis previously pled guilty to the offense of Conversion of Tribal Funds. This case was investigated by the Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General.
Sentences for November 22 – 27, 2013Read the Press Release
Jose Lucio Orozco-Ortiz, 45, of Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on November 27, 2013, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Orozco-Ortiz 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.
Travis Wagner, 33, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on November 26, 2013, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Wagner received 69 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.
Timothy J. Loghry, 39, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on November 26, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing at least 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Loghry was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received 136 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and a $400.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Fernando Ortiz-Fierro, 39, of Mexico, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on November 26, 2013, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Ortiz-Fierro 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.
Ezequiel Yaheudt Rodriguez-Guzman, 19, of Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on November 26, 2013, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Rodriguez-Guzman was arrested in Basin, 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.
Kevin R. Kaufman¸48, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on November 25, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing between 200 and 350 grams of methamphetamine. Kaufman 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 was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Vincent Earl Hagey, 44, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on November 25, 2013, for assault by striking. Hagey was arrested in Yellowstone National Park. He received time served, one year of supervised release, and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $6,765.90. This case was investigated by the National Park Service.
Travis K. Smith, 44, of Provo, Utah, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on November 25, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing 397 grams of methamphetamine. Smith was arrested in Gillette, Wyoming. He received 33 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and a $500.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Lela M. Carpenter, 38, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on November 25, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing between 500 grams and 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine. Carpenter was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She received 120 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and a $400.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Kenneth C. Garcia, 57, of Florissant, Colorado, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on November 25, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing 425 grams of methamphetamine. Garcia was arrested in Denver, Colorado. He received 30 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.
Mike Grant Harmon, 42, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on November 22, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing between 500 grams and 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine. Harmon was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received 151 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and a $500.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Wyoming Woman Charged with Assault on A Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming Christopher A. Crofts announced that on October 21, 2013, Marion Joyce Kills Enemy, a 24-year-old Northern Arapaho Tribal Member, was charged in an information with one count of assaulting a federal officer in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 111(a)(1). The charge against Ms. Kills Enemy stemmed from an incident that occurred on August 2, 2012 on the Wind River Indian Reservation. Ms. Kills Enemy is facing a potential of up to one year of imprisonment, and could be ordered to pay restitution, a fine, and special assessment. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Indian of Affairs.
Utility Company Sentenced in Wyoming for Killing Protected Birds at Wind ProjectsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Duke Energy Renewables Inc., a subsidiary of Duke Energy Corp., based in Charlotte, N.C., pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Wyoming today to violating the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) in connection with the deaths of protected birds, including golden eagles, at two of the company’s wind projects in Wyoming. This case represents the first ever criminal enforcement of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act for unpermitted avian takings at wind projects.
Under a plea agreement with the government, the company was sentenced to pay fines, restitution and community service totaling $1 million and was placed on probation for five years, during which it must implement an environmental compliance plan aimed at preventing bird deaths at the company’s four commercial wind projects in the state. The company is also required to apply for an Eagle Take Permit which, if granted, will provide a framework for minimizing and mitigating the deaths of golden eagles at the wind projects.
The charges stem from the discovery of 14 golden eagles and 149 other protected birds, including hawks, blackbirds, larks, wrens and sparrows by the company at its “Campbell Hill” and “Top of the World” wind projects in Converse County between 2009 and 2013. The two wind projects are comprised of 176 large wind turbines sited on private agricultural land.
According to the charges and other information presented in court, Duke Energy Renewables Inc. failed to make all reasonable efforts to build the projects in a way that would avoid the risk of avian deaths by collision with turbine blades, despite prior warnings about this issue from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). However, the company cooperated with the USFWS investigation and has already implemented measures aimed at minimizing avian deaths at the sites.
“This case represents the first criminal conviction under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act for unlawful avian takings at wind projects,” said Robert G. Dreher, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division. “In this plea agreement, Duke Energy Renewables acknowledges that it constructed these wind projects in a manner it knew beforehand would likely result in avian deaths. To its credit, once the projects came on line and began causing avian deaths, Duke took steps to minimize the hazard, and with this plea agreement has committed to an extensive compliance plan to minimize bird deaths at its Wyoming facilities and to devote resources to eagle preservation and rehabilitation efforts.”
“The Service works cooperatively with companies that make all reasonable efforts to avoid killing migratory birds during design, construction and operation of industrial facilities,” said William Woody, Assistant Director for Law Enforcement of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “But we will continue to investigate and refer for prosecution cases in which companies - in any sector, including the wind industry - fail to comply with the laws that protect the public’s wildlife resources.”
More than 1,000 species of birds, including bald and golden eagles, are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). The MBTA, enacted in 1918, implements this country’s commitments under avian protection treaties with Great Britain (for Canada), Mexico, Japan and Russia. The MBTA provides a misdemeanor criminal sanction for the unpermitted taking of a listed species by any means and in any manner, regardless of fault. The maximum penalty for an unpermitted corporate taking under the MBTA is $15,000 or twice the gross gain or loss resulting from the offense, and five years’ probation.
According to papers filed with the court, commercial wind power projects can cause the deaths of federally protected birds in four primary ways: collision with wind turbines, collision with associated meteorological towers, collision with, or electrocution by, associated electrical power facilities, and nest abandonment or behavior avoidance from habitat modification. Collision and electrocution risks from power lines (collisions and electrocutions) and guyed structures (collision) have been known to the utility and communication industries for decades, and specific methods of minimizing and avoiding the risks have been developed, in conjunction with the USFWS. The USFWS issued its first interim guidance about how wind project developers could avoid impacts to wildlife from wind turbines in 2003, and replaced these with a “tiered” approach outlined in the Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines (2012 LBWEGs), developed with the wind industry starting in 2007 and released in final form by the USFWS on March 23, 2012. The Service also released Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance in April 2013 and strongly recommends that companies planning or operating wind power facilities in areas where eagles occur work with the agency to implement that guidance completely.
For wind projects, due diligence during the pre-construction stage—as described in the 2003 Interim Guidelines and tiers I through III in the 2012 LBWEGs—by surveying the wildlife present in the proposed project area, consulting with agency professionals, determining whether the risk to wildlife is too high to justify proceeding and, if not, carefully siting turbines so as to avoid and minimize the risk as much as possible, is critically important because, unlike electric distribution equipment and guyed towers, at the present time, no post-construction remedies, except “curtailment” (i.e., shut-down), have been developed that can “render safe” a wind turbine placed in a location of high avian collision risk. Other experimental measures to reduce prey, detect and deter avian proximity to turbines are being tested. In the western United States, golden eagles may be particularly susceptible to wind turbine blade collision by wind power facilities constructed in areas of high eagle use.
The $400,000 fine imposed in the case will be directed to the federally-administered North American Wetlands Conservation Fund. The company will also pay $100,000 in restitution to the State of Wyoming, and perform community service by making a $160,000 payment to the congressionally-chartered National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, designated for projects aimed at preserving golden eagles and increasing the understanding of ways to minimize and monitor interactions between eagles and commercial wind power facilities, as well as enhance eagle rehabilitation and conservation efforts in Wyoming. Duke Energy Renewables is also required to contribute $340,000 to a conservation fund for the purchase of land, or conservation easements on land, in Wyoming containing high-use golden eagle habitat, which will be preserved and managed for the benefit of that species. The company must implement a migratory bird compliance plan containing specific measures to avoid and minimize golden eagle and other avian wildlife mortalities at company’s four commercial wind projects in Wyoming.
According to papers filed with the court, Duke Energy Renewables will spend approximately $600,000 per year implementing the compliance plan. Within 24 months, the company must also apply to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for a Programmatic Eagle Take Permit at each of the two wind projects cited in the case.
The case was investigated by Special Agents of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and prosecuted by Senior Counsel Robert S. Anderson of the Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section of the Environment and Natural Resources Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Conder of the District of Wyoming.
Cheyenne Man Convicted for Attempted Online Enticement of A MinorRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Christopher A. Crofts announced today that Cheyenne resident David Faust has been convicted in federal court. A jury found Faust guilty of attempted online enticement of a minor for sexual purposes after a two-day jury trial in the U.S. District Court in Cheyenne. Faust is scheduled to be sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Johnson on January 30, 2014. The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, assisted by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations.
Sentences for November 18– 20, 2013Read the Press Release
Amanda Rae Torres, 38, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on November 20, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing approximately 140 grams of methamphetamine. Torres was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. 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 was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Christy Speaker, 34, of Eaton, Colorado, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on November 19, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing at least 1.5 but no more than 5 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Speaker was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She received 168 months imprisonment, to be followed by five months of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Kerina Willson, 28, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on November 19, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing at least 500 grams but not more than 1.5 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Willson was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. She received 78 months imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and a $200.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
John Wayne Thomas, 40, of Torrington, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on November 18, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing at least 200 but less than 350 grams of methamphetamine. Thomas was arrested in Torrington, Wyoming. He received 151 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.
Utah Woman Sentenced for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming Christopher A. Crofts announced that on November 13, 2013, Tahlene Shaw Serawop, a 25-year-old Ute Tribal Member, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal to 21 months imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and $616,657.43 in restitution. Ms. Serawop previously pled guilty to the offense of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. This case was investigated by the FBI and BIA law enforcement.
Sentences for November 12 – 14, 2013Read the Press Release
Illiana Theresa Mercado, 40, of Gilbert, Arizona, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on November 14, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing methamphetamine and for distributing or possessing methamphetamine on a premises where a child is present. Mercado was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. She received 61 months imprisonment, to be followed by four 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.
John L. Atkins, 51, of Alexander, North Dakota, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on November 12, 2013, for passing counterfeit obligations of the United States. Atkins was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received 21 months imprisonment, to be followed by 32 months of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service.
Sentences for November 01 – 07, 2013Read the Press Release
Alfredo Muniga-Fuentes, 43, of Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on November 7, 2013, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Muniga-Fuentes 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.
Jose Ines Nunez-Matamoros, 42, of Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on November 7, 2013, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Nunez-Matamoros was arrested in Douglas, 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 Donald Gardner, 32, of Evansville, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on November 6, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing 124.88 grams of methamphetamine. Gardner was arrested in Casper, 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 and a $1,000.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Lori Ann Bair, 28, of Newcastle, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on November 5, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distributing 50-200 grams of methamphetamine. Bair was arrested in Union City, Pennsylvania. She received 33 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.
Martin Antonio Paredes-Zamorano, 25, of Glenrock, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on November 4, 2013, for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. Paredes-Zamorano was arrested in Glenrock, Wyoming. He received ten 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.
Vincent A. Apodaca, 26, of Rawlins, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on November 1, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug felony. Apodaca 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 a $1,000.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Wyoming Men Plead Guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter and Aiding and AbettingRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming Christopher A. Crofts announced today that on October 29, 2013, Alan Brown, 61, and his brother Vernon Lee Brown, 54, both Northern Arapaho Tribal Members, pled guilty in federal court to an Information charging them with one count of Involuntary Manslaughter and Aiding and Abetting (Alan Brown) and Involuntary Manslaughter (Vernon Brown), in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1112, 1153 and 2. The charges against Alan and Vernon Lee Brown stem from an incident that occurred on or about May 6, 2006, which resulted in the death of Tad Paul Barnson, 47, who was originally from Idaho Falls, Idaho, but resided in and around Riverton, Wyoming at the time of his death. Alan and Vernon Lee Brown are Wind River Indian Reservation inhabitants, but are not believed to have any permanent residence. This crime is alleged to have occurred on the Wind River Indian Reservation. Alan and Vernon Lee Brown are each facing a maximum sentence of eight (8) years imprisonment, and could be ordered to pay restitution, a fine and special assessment. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Sentences for October 28 – 29, 2013Read the Press Release
Julia Carlene Deshaw, 45, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on October 29, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing at least 200 grams but less than 350 grams of methamphetamine. Deshaw was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. She received 120 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and a $400.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Michael Ainsworth, 51, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on October 29, 2013, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Ainsworth was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received three months imprisonment, to be followed by one year of unsupervised probation, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Harold and Amy Busskohl, husband and wife, of Lyman, Wyoming, were sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on October 28, 2013, for health care fraud. The Busskohls appeared pursuant to a summons. Both received a three-year term of supervised release and each was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. In addition, the Court ordered that they pay restitution, joint and several, in the amount of $35,285.67. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
Brian L. Messick, 43, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on October 28, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing 1,372 grams of methamphetamine. Messick 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 $100.00 special assessment and a $400.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Dale R. Turano, 54, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on October 28, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing 198 grams of methamphetamine. Turano was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received 151 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.
James P. Graham, 53, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on October 28, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing 200-300 grams of methamphetamine. Graham was arrested in Cheyenne, 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 a $500.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Man Sentenced for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Christopher A. Crofts announced that on October 28, 2013, Kenneth Wayne Crawford, III, a twenty-two year enrolled Eastern Shoshone man was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Nancy Freudenthal to 37 months imprisonment, to be followed by two years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $7,665.72 in restitution and a $100 special assessment. This sentence stems from Crawford’s conduct in May of 2013, when he became intoxicated and physically assaulted his girlfriend. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Sentences for October 18 – 23, 2013Read the Press Release
Gale M. Nation, 43, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on October 23, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing 200-350 grams of methamphetamine. Nation was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. 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 was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Phillip Edward Downs, 27, of Afton, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on October 22, 2013, for three counts of making false statements in connection with the purchase of a firearm and three counts of transferring a firearm to a convicted felon. Downs was arrested in Jackson, Wyoming. He received 18 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $600.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Patrick A. Flores, 36, of Fort Collins, Colorado, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on October 21, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing 735 grams of methamphetamine. Flores was arrested in Fort Collins, Colorado. He received 144 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.
Johnny Wade, 46, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on October 18, 2013, on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing between 1.5 kilograms and 5 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing a detectible amount of methamphetamine; one count of possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; and one count of possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and aiding and abetting. Wade was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received 135 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $300.00 special assessment and a $700.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Man Sentenced for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Christopher A. Crofts announced that on October 21, 2013, Lee Spoonhunter, a thirty six year old Northern Arapaho man was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Nancy Freudenthal to three years of probation, with the first four months to be served on home confinement, a $100 special assessment, and a full restitution amount to be determined within 90 days. This sentence stems from Mr. Spoonhunter’s November 2012, conduct on the Wind River Indian Reservation - namely driving while under the influence of alcohol, during which time a traffic crash occurred and another person suffered serious bodily injury as a result of the crash. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Sentences for October 15 – 18, 2013Read the Press Release
Michael A. Guara, 33, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on October 18, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing 50-200 grams of methamphetamine. Guara was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received 99 months imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $200.00 special assessment and a $500.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Stephen Rodger Campbell, 37, of Auburn, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on October 18, 2013, for possession of child pornography. Campbell was arrested in Auburn, Wyoming. He received 120 months imprisonment, to be followed by a life term of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and a $1,000.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Daniel Serrano-Alvarado, 39, of El Salvador, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on October 17, 2013, 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 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.
Joel Molina-Cruse, aka Joel Escorza-Hernandez, 34, of Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on October 17, 2013, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Molina-Cruse 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.
James Davis, 38, of Rock Springs, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on October 17, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute methamphetamine and for distribution of at least 1.5 kilograms but not more than 15 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Davis was arrested in Rock Springs, Wyoming. He received 120 months imprisonment, to be followed by five 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.
Kyle Braaten, 33, of Thermopolis, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on October 16, 2013, for possession of child pornography. Braaten was arrested in Thermopolis, Wyoming. He received four months imprisonment, to be followed by twenty 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.
Vanessa Birkenkamp, 29, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on October 16, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing at least 50 grams of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Birkenkamp was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She received 46 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 U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Ann Marie Centore, 42, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on October 16, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing at least 50 grams but not more than 200 grams of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Centore was arrested in Burlington, Colorado. She received 37 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 U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Enrique Castillo-Nunez, 30, of Mexico, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on October 15, 2013, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Castillo-Nunez was arrested in Cheyenne, 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 by investigated U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Douglas R. Cullison, 38, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on October 15, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing 200-350 grams of methamphetamine. Cullison was arrested in Cheyenne, 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. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Lance A. Garcia, 28, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on October 15, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing 500 grams to 1.6 kilograms of methamphetamine. Garcia was arrested in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He received 120 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and a $900.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Wyoming Man Charged with Felony Child AbuseRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming Christopher A. Crofts announced that on September 26, 2013, Robert Felter Jr., a 22-year-old Northern Arapaho Tribal Member, was charged in an Indictment with one count of felony child abuse in Indian Country, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1153 and W.S. § 6-2-503. The charge draws from an incident that occurred on June 20, 2013. Mr. Felter is facing a potential five (5) year term of imprisonment, and could be ordered to pay restitution, a fine, and special assessment. This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
An Indictment is only an accusation. In every criminal case, the accused is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty, and the government always has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sentences for October 02 – 10, 2013Read the Press Release
Saul Hermosillo-Reyes, 25, of Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on October 10, 2013, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Hermosillo-Reyes 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.
Hector Lepe-Lepe, 25, of Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on October 10, 2013, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Lepe-Lepe 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.
George Ray Beebe, 63, of Aurora, Colorado, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on October 8, 2013, for theft of mail. He received three years of supervised release with special conditions and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Rene Martinez-Mejia, 39, of Guatemala, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on October 8, 2013, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Martinez-Mejia 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.
Michael W. Lubenow, 53, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on October 7, 2013, for production of child pornography. Lubenow was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received 264 months imprisonment, to be followed by a life time of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment, a $1,000.00 fine and restitution in the amount of $895.79. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Melinda Kathleen Jervah, 52, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on October 7, 2013, for production of child pornography. Jervah was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. She received 180 months imprisonment, to be followed by a life time of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and restitution in the amount of $895.79. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Timothy M. Palmer, 41, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on October 7, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing 200-350 grams of methamphetamine. Palmer was arrested in Cheyenne, 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.
Jeffery Allen Johnson, 30, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on October 2, 2013, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and aiding and abetting. Johnson was arrested in Natrona County, 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 and a $500.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Highway Patrol and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Sentences for September 27 - October 03, 2013Read the Press Release
Joseph Daniel Sterkel, 31, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on October 2, 2013, for possession of a machinegun and perjury. Sterkel was arrested in Natrona County, 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 a $250.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Robert Anthony Johnson, 27, of Fort McCoy, Florida, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on September 27, 2013, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and aiding and abetting. Johnson was arrested in Natrona County, 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 was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and Wyoming Highway Patrol.
Northern Arapaho Man Sentenced for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Christopher A. Crofts announced today that onOctober 2, 2013, Claude Lee Duran, Jr., 26-year-old enrolled Northern Arapaho Tribal member, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Scott Skavdahl to 80 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $969.35 and a $100.00 special assessment. Mr. Duran Jr. previously pled guilty to the offense of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian affairs with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
U.S. Government Intervenes in False Claims Lawsuit Against Pinnacle BankRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office has intervened in a lawsuit against Pinnacle Bank (Pinnacle) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming according to U.S. Attorney Christopher A. Crofts. The whistleblower lawsuit was originally filed in May 2012 by Hospitality Management, Inc., under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties to sue on behalf of the United States when they believe that someone has submitted false claims for government funds. The complaint alleges that Pinnacle made false statements to the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) regarding a loan under the SBA’s “504 Loan Program.”
Background of the 504 Loan Program
The 504 Loan Program is designed to provide small businesses with long-term financing to cover a portion of the cost to acquire major fixed assets. The loans are funded by the sale of debentures guaranteed by the United States. Financing of 504 Loan Program projects typically consists of (1) a contribution from the borrower covering approximately 10 percent of the project costs; (2) a loan obtained from a Certified Development Company and assigned to the SBA, covering approximately 40 percent of the project costs and certain administrative costs, collateralized by a second lien on the project property; and (3) a loan secured from a private sector lender covering the remainder of the project costs (approximately 50 percent) and collateralized by a first lien on the project property. If a borrower defaults on a 504 loan, the United States must expend taxpayer dollars to repurchase the debenture used to fund the loan pursuant to the guarantee, effectively buying the bad debt. Because of this risk, the 504 Loan Program requires that participating banks must make certain certifications to the SBA regarding the financial condition of the borrower before the government will approve the loan and guarantee the debenture.
Specifics of the Lawsuit
According to the complaint, Pinnacle Bank, which had provided the Columbine Group, LLC, (developer of the hotel) with an interim construction loan for the AmericInn Lodge and Suites located in Laramie, Wyoming, falsely certified to the SBA that at the time of closing on permanent financing for the project: (1) it had no knowledge of any un-remedied substantial adverse change in Columbine’s financial condition since the date of the application for the SBA loan, (2) Columbine was current on its payments to Pinnacle and not otherwise in default of the loan, and (3) Pinnacle had disclosed to the SBA all material information know to it. Columbine later defaulted on its loans and the United States was required to repurchase the debenture pursuant to its guarantee.
The False Claims Act permits the government to recover three times its damages plus civil penalties. The private plaintiffs who bring these claims are entitled to receive a share of any funds recovered through the lawsuit. The government has asked the court for 30 days to file its own complaint stating the United States’ allegations.
Sentences for September 12 - 19, 2013Read the Press Release
Steven G. Gayman, 55, of Loveland, Colorado, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on September 19, 2013, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Gayman was arrested in Platte County, Wyoming. He received 138 months imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and a $250.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Nicholas Austin Becker, 26, of Aspen, Colorado, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on September 16, 2013, for distribution of at least 100 milligrams but less than 200 milligrams of LSD. Becker was arrested in Denver, Colorado. He received two years of probation, 40 hours of community service, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Troy Raymond Morton, 40, of Bellingham, Washington, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on September 16, 2013, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Morton was arrested in Seattle, Washington. He received 33 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and a $250.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. National Park Service.
Tina F. Knott, 40, of Lander, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on September 12, 2013, for social security fraud. Knott appeared pursuant to a subpoena. She received five years of probation and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. Restitution was ordered and will be determined at a later date. This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General.
Charles Lee Caines, 33, of Riverton, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on September 12, 2013, for possession of child pornography. Caines was arrested in Lander, Wyoming. He received 72 months imprisonment, to be followed by 22 years supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and a $400.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Mark Lee Oberg, 29, of Green River, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on September 12, 2013, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Oberg was arrested in Green River, Wyoming. He received 37 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years 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.
Woman Sentenced for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Christopher A. Crofts announced that on September 9, 2013, twenty-eight year old Cecelia Gayle Shakespeare, an enrolled Northern Arapaho Tribal member, was sentenced by Chief United States District Court Judge Nancy Freudenthal to 24 months imprisonment, two years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $76,598.17 in restitution and a $100.00 special assessment. Ms. Shakespeare previously pled guilty to the offense of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Sentences for September 06 – 12, 2013Read the Press Release
Luis Solis-Zarza, 26, of Mexico, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on September 12, 2013, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Solis-Zarza 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.
Edgar Ismael Martinez-Suarez, 25, of Mexico, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on September 12, 2013, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Martinez-Suarez 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.
Adam David Simkins, 26, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on September 10, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of 1,041 grams of methamphetamine. Simkins 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 $100.00 special assessment and a $250.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Ajay Jariwala, 51, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on September 9, 2013, for conspiracy to commit arson. Jariwala was arrested in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He received 72 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment, a $10,000.00 fine and restitution in the amount of $50,000.00 to the Fireman’s Fund Insurance. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
David Mickael Gehl, 26, of Fort Washakie, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on September 9, 2013, for unlawful user of controlled substance in possession of a firearm. Gehl was arrested in Lander, Wyoming. He 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 Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Gretchen Ann Elliot, 54, of Big Bear City, California, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on September 9, 2013, on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and two counts of distribution of at least 500 grams but not more than 1.5 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Elliot was arrested in Big Bear City, California. She received 120 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $300.00 special assessment and a $200.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
John Marcus Barnes, 45, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on September 6, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing at least 500 grams but not more than 1.5 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Barnes 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 $100.00 special assessment and a $500.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Ernesto Joseph Guerrero, 43, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on September 6, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Guerrero was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received 84 months of imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and a $400.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Sentences for September 03 – 05, 2013Read the Press Release
Martin Travis Brown, 44, of Fort Collins, Colorado, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on September 5, 2013, on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing between 1.5 kilograms and 5 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and aiding and abetting. Brown was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received 151 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised, and was ordered to pay a $300.00 special assessment and a $700.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Robert Glenn Davis, 38, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on September 4, 2013, on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute and one count of distribution of at least 1.5 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Davis was arrested in Rock Springs, Wyoming. He received 135 months of imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $200.00 special assessment and a $500.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Fern Baker, 71, of Newcastle, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on September 3, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing methadone. Baker was arrested in Newcastle, Wyoming. She received five years probation and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and restitution in the amount of $10,612.85. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Cathy Lines, 55, of Newcastle, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on September 3, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing methadone. Lines was arrested in Newcastle, Wyoming. She received 96 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 $10,612.85. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Sentences for August 26 – 27, 2013Read the Press Release
Robert Arthur Reed, aka Ben Stauffer, aka Ben Staupher, aka Ben Stopher, aka Eric Roth, aka Walt Anderson, 58, of Morgan, Utah, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on August 27, 2013, for conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and conspiracy to launder money. Reed was arrested in Morgan, Utah. He received 151 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 $4,425,034.63. The Court also ordered forfeiture in the amount of $4,425,034.63. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Secretary of State’s Office, The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Secret Service.
Gregory Lee Doss, dba Greenbelt Asset Management LLC or 2BGreen Consulting LLC, 58, of Sherman Oaks, California, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on August 26, 2013, for conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and conspiracy to launder money. Doss was arrested in Los Angeles, California. He received 72 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 $4,425,034.63. The Court also ordered forfeiture in the amount of $2,253,462.50. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Secretary of State’s Office, The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Secret Service.
Jonathan Louis Salazar, 43, of East Helena, Montana, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on August 26, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Salazar was arrested in Helena, Montana. 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 a $400.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Javier Martinez-Enrique, 35, of Mexico, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on August 26, 2013, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Martinez-Enrique 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.
Felipe Balmaceda-Fierro, 40, of Mexico, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on August 26, 2013, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Balmaceda-Fierro 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.
Refugio Hernandez-Renteria, 39, of Mexico, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on August 26, 2013, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Hernandez-Renteria 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.
Sentences for August 14 – 22, 2013Read the Press Release
Richard Michael Hursh, aka Richard Tucker, 34, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on August 22, 2013, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Hursh was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received 33 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and a $100.00 fine. This case was investigated by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Christopher Ponish, 52, of Panorama City, California, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on August 21 2013, for conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. Ponish was arrested in Panorama City, California. 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 $4,425,034.63, joint and several with all co-defendants in Criminal Case 12-CR-00058-S. The Court additionally ordered forfeiture in the amount of $197,200.00. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Secretary of State’s Office, The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Secret Service.
Marco Buckley, 28, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on August 21, 2013, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Buckley was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received 64 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay a$100.00 special assessment and a $400.00 fine. This case was investigated by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Kevin Best, aka Julian Josef, aka Bill Baker, 54, of Van Nuys, California, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on August 16, 2013, for conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. Best was arrested in Van Nuys, California. 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 $4,425,034.63, joint and several with all co-defendants in Criminal Case 12-CR-00058-S. The Court additionally ordered forfeiture in the amount of $99,083.58. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Secretary of State’s Office, The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Secret Service.
Lauren Elizabeth Scott, aka Jillian Taylor, dba Mountain State Power Group, Inc., Mountain State Power, Inc., and Sovereign Energy Partners, 54, of Morgan, Utah, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on August 16, 2013, for conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and conspiracy to launder money. Scott was arrested in Morgan, Utah. She received 57 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 $4,425,034.63, joint and several with all co-defendants in Criminal Case 12-CR-00058-S. The Court additionally ordered forfeiture in the amount of $1,123,000.00. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Secretary of State’s Office, The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Secret Service.
Kari Lee Steelman, 25, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl in August 14, 2013, on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, a synthetic cannabinoid, a Schedule I controlled substance analogue, resulting in serious bodily injury and one count of distribution of a synthetic cannabinoid, a Schedule I controlled substance analogue, resulting in serious bodily injury and aiding and abetting. Steelman was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. She received 36 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay a $200.00 special assessment. The case was investigated by the Casper Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Sentences for August 14 – 15, 2013Read the Press Release
United States Attorney Christopher A. Croft s announced today that on August 14, 2013, Corey James Hill, a 19-year-old enrolled Northern Arapaho man from Ethete, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal for Assaulting/Resisting a Federal Officer. He received 44 months of imprisonment to be followed by two years of supervised release and a $100.00 special assessment he charge stemmed from a January 31, 2013, incident on the Wind River Indian Reservation where Hill assaulted a Bureau of Indian Affairs Officer with a knife. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
United States Attorney Christopher A. Crofts announced today that on August 15, 2013, Jason Lloyd Deal, 28 of Torrington, Wyoming, as sentenced by Chief District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal for Possession of Obscene Material. He received 4 years of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised elease and is required to pay a $100.00 special assessment. The charge was the result of inappropriate correspondence and sexually explicit pictures of a 16 year old out-of-state female obtained by Deal on his computer. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
United States Attorney Christopher A. Crofts announced today that on August 14, 2013, Brenda Murray, 52, of Evanston, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal for Health Care Fraud. Murray was sentenced to five months of home confinement, two years of probation and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $56,496.15. Murray admitted to fraudulently billing Medicaid or health care services provided between January 1, 2009 and May 26, 2011. This case was investigated by the State of Wyoming Medicaid Fraud Unit.
Sentences for August 6 – 7, 2013 Northern Arapaho Men Sentenced for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
Ricardo Rodriguez-Contreras, 30, of Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on August 7, 2013, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Rodriguez-Contreras was arrested in Basin, 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.
Phillip Henry Moralez, 46, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on August 6, 2013, for possession of child pornography. Moralez was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received 120 months imprisonment, to be followed by 15 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 Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Julian Lee Grimes, 28, of Kemmerer, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on August 6, 2013, for possession of child pornography. Grimes was arrested in Kemmerer, Wyoming. He received 30months of 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.
Richard Dale Anderson, of Douglas, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on August 6, 2013, for failure to register as a sex offender. Anderson was arrested in Douglas, Wyoming. He received five months imprisonment, to be followed by five 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.
Jorge Lopez-Trejo, aka Alex Campos, aka Arturo Hernandez, aka Alex Zavala-Lara, 31, of Mexico, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on August 6, 2013, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Lopez-Trejo as 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.
Sentences for August 6 – 8, 2013 Northern Arapaho Men Sentenced for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Christopher A. Crofts announced that on August 8, 2013, 20-year old Shawn Antelope, Jr., an enrolled Northern Arapaho Tribal member, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson to 36 months imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $100.00 special assessment. Mr. Antelope, Jr. previously pled guilty to the offense of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
U.S. Attorney Christopher A. Crofts announced that on August 6, 2013, 40-year old Leo Lone Bear III, an enrolled Northern Arapaho Tribal member, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl to 168 months imprisonment, a life time period of supervised release, a $400.00 fine, and a $100.00 special assessment. Mr. Lone Bear previously pled guilty to the offense of sexual abuse of a minor. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
U.S. Attorney Christopher A. Crofts announced that on August 6, 2013, 23-year-old Bryson Brown, and enrolled Northern Arapaho Tribal member, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl to 96 months imprisonment, five years of supervised release, restitution in the amount of $440.87 and a $200.00 special assessment. The charges stemmed from an incident which occurred on February 15, 2013, on the Wind River Indian Reservation. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and members of the Fremont County Sheriff's Office and the Riverton Police Department.
Sentences for July 26 - 29, 2013Read the Press Release
Kenneth Henningson, 63, of Lyman, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on July 29, 2013, for possession of child pornography. Henningson was arrested in Lyman, Wyoming. He received 24 months imprisonment, to be followed by ten 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, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Benjamin Lloyd Croley, 34, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on July 29, 2013, on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing between 500 grams and 1.5 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and aiding and abetting. Croley was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received 121 months imprisonment, to be followed by five 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 and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Sigifredo Molina Varela, 41, and Jacqueline Garcia, both of Gillette, Wyoming, were sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on July 26, 2013, on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 6.9 kilograms of methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug felony. Both defendants were arrested in Gillette, Wyoming. Varela and Garcia each received 180 months of imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release and were ordered to pay an $800.00 fine and a $200.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
July 24, 2013: Wyoming Man Sentenced for Failing to Stop After Accident Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming Christopher A. Crofts announced that on July 24, 2013, Jerry Don Fuller, a 25 year old non-Indian, was sentenced for failing to stop his vehicle or render aid after he accidentally struck and killed Alvin Lee Talksdifferent Jr, a 28 year old member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe, who was intoxicated and walking in Fuller’s lane of travel. Mr. Fuller was sentenced by United States Magistrate Judge Teresa McKee to four months incarceration, one year of supervised release, a $2500.00 fine and a $25.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Sentences for July 18 - 19, 2013Read the Press Release
Christopher Lee Swartwood, 35, of Cody, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on July 19, 2013, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Swartwood was arrested in Powell, Wyoming. He received 84 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and local law enforcement in Park County, Wyoming.
Gary William Mitchell, aka Robert Lavern Ackerly, Jr., aka Hoo Bushi, aka Kanzenmohar Ninjokunshi Mitchell, 58, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on July 18, 2013, on one count of identity theft, one count of social security fraud, one count of making a false statement and one count of use of a false passport. Mitchell was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received eight months imprisonment, to be followed by two years of supervised release and was ordered to pay a $400.00 special assessment and restitution to the U.S. Social Security Administration in the amount of $25,196.50. This case was investigated by the Casper Police Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Sentences for July 11 - 17, 2013Read the Press Release
Uriel Aguinaga-Ortiz, 33, of Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on July 17, 2013, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Aguinaga-Ortiz was arrested in Basin, 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.
Juan Jose Medellin-Tovar, 26, of Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on July 17, 2013, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Medellin-Tovar was arrested in Wheatland, 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.
Timothy George Saxton, 53, of Newcastle, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on July 17, 2013, for possession of child pornography and for receipt of child pornography. Saxton was arrested in Newcastle, Wyoming. He received 60 months imprisonment, to be followed by 20 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 Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Jerom Stuart, 19, of Rock Springs, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on July 16, 2013, for receipt of obscene material. Stuart was arrested in Rock Springs, Wyoming. He was ordered to serve five years of probation. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Kevin Paul Johnson, 38, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on July 12, 2013, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Johnson was arrested in Gillette, Wyoming. He received 51 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and a $400.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Gillette Police Department, U.S. Probation Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Corey Allen Donaldson, 40 of Victoria Province, Australia, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on July 11, 2013, for bank robbery. Donaldson was arrested in Clinton, Utah. He received 70 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 $140,750.00. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Utah Woman Charged with Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
Appearances for July 16, 2013
U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming Christopher A. Crofts announced that on May 23, 2013, Tahlene Shaw Serawop, a 25-year-old Ute Tribal Member, was charged in an indictment with one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(6) and 1153. The charge against Ms. Serawop stemmed from an incident that occurred on December 20, 2012 on the Wind River Indian Reservation. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. An indictment is only an accusation. In every criminal case, the accused is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty, and the government always has the burden of proving guilt at trial beyond a reasonable doubt.
Northern Arapaho Man Charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm and Second Degree Murder
U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming Christopher A. Crofts announced that on July 10, 2013, Dean Moss, a 25-year-old enrolled Northern Arapaho man from Arapahoe, Wyoming, appeared in Federal Court for an initial appearance before Magistrate Judge Teresa M. McKee on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(3) and 1153 and second degree murder in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a) and 1153. A combined preliminary hearing and detention hearing was held on July 15, 2013, at which time Magistrate McKee found probable cause for the charges and detained Moss pending further proceedings. The charges stem from a stabbing which occurred on June 9, 2013, in the Great Plains Housing Area on the Wind River Indian Reservation. The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with substantial assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. A complaint is only an accusation. In every criminal case, the accused is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty, and the government always has the burden of proving guilt at trial beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sentences for July 08-11, 2013Read the Press Release
Larry D. Sinning, Jr., 27, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on July 11, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 113 grams of methamphetamine and for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug felony. Sinning 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 special assessment and a $500.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Michael James Adams, 26, of Torrington, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on July 10, 2013, in two separate federal cases. Adams was arrested in Gillette, Wyoming. The Court imposed a sentence of 120 months imprisonment for count one in case 13CR-00004 – conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 1,106 grams of methamphetamine, 46 months of imprisonment for count one in case 12CR-00162 – felon in possession of a firearm, to be served concurrently with count one in 13CR-00004. Both sentences shall begin consecutively to defendant’s current state sentence in Sweetwater County. These sentences shall be followed by a sentence of 60 months imprisonment for Adams’ conviction of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug felony in case 13CR00004, to be served consecutively with all other terms. The sentences of imprisonment shall be followed by five years of supervised release. Adams was also ordered to pay a $300.00 special assessment and a $1,800.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Kyle A. Carothers, 20, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on July 10, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 1.9 kilograms of methamphetamine. Carothers 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 and a $400.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Robert C. Brodie, 30 of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on July 8, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 680 grams of methamphetamine. Brodie 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 and a $500.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Whitney Dawn Rose, 23, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on July 8, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 1.9 kilograms of methamphetamine. Rose was arrested in Gillette, Wyoming. She received 121 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and a $400.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Heidi Lee Blankenship, 30, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on July 8, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute between 553 and 680 grams of methamphetamine. Blankenship was arrested in Gillette, Wyoming. She received 135 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and a $500.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Richard Lierheimer, 44, of McKinleyville, California, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on July 8, 2013, for possession with intent to distribute 175 pounds of marijuana. Lierheimer was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received 15 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release and was required to forfeit his ownership in a Cessna aircraft. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Sentences for July 01-02, 2013Read the Press Release
Mario Demon Lee, 45, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on July 2, 2013, for making a false statement in application of a passport. Lee was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received 21 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 Diplomatic Security Service.
Mario Moreno-Reyes, aka Mario Reyes, aka Mario Moreno, aka Mario Manuel Reyes, 53, of Mexico, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Nancy D. Freudenthal on July 1, 2013, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Moreno-Reyes was arrested in Gillette, Wyoming. He received 15 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.
Northern Arapaho Woman Sentenced for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Christopher A. Crofts announced today that on July 1, 2013, Phoebe Dawn Soundingsides, a 28-year-old enrolled Northern Arapaho woman from Arapahoe, Wyoming, appeared in Federal District Court for sentencing before Chief United States District Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on a single count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Soundingsides received 42 months imprisonment, to be followed by two years of supervised release and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount $33,750.76 and a $100.00 special assessment. The charge stemmed from a stabbing which occurred on January 18-19, 2012, on the Wind River Indian Reservation. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and local law enforcement authorities.
Sentences for on June 21 - June 26, 2013Read the Press Release
Jesus Abel Lopez-Perez, 29, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on June 26, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing methamphetamine. Lopez-Perez was arrested in Las Vegas, Nevada. He received 37 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.
Julia Cox, 59, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on June 26, 2013, on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distributing a synthetic cannabinoid, a Schedule I Controlled Substance, resulting in serious bodily injury and one count of distribution of a synthetic cannabinoid, a Schedule I Controlled Substance, resulting in serious bodily injury, and aiding and abetting. Cox was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. She received 50 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay a $200.00 special assessment and a $100.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Casper Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Jennifer Nicole Tuttle, 31, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on June 25, 2013, for making of false claims to obtain Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Tuttle appeared pursuant to a summons. She received five years of supervised probation and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $55,080.32. This case was investigated by the State of Wyoming, Department of Family Services’ Fraud and Recovery Unit.
Jorge Arrendondo-Mireles, 35, of Portland, Oregon, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on June 25, 2013, for distribution of methamphetamine and distribution of cocaine. Arrendondo-Mireles was arrested in Oregon. He received 12 months and one day imprisonment, was ordered to pay a $200.00 special assessment and is subject to deportation upon release from custody. This case was investigated by the Casper and Mills Police Departments, the Natrona County Sheriff’s Office, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Ramon Erik Slater, 23, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on June 21, 2013, for receiving a firearm while under felon indictment and for making false statements to acquire a firearm. Slater was obtained via Writ from state custody. He was sentenced to time served, was ordered to pay a $700.00 fine and released to state custody to complete his term of 5-10 years of imprisonment. Upon release from state custody, Slater will serve a term of three years of supervised release. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Chris L. George, 29, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on June 21, 2013, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of between 200 and 350 grams of methamphetamine. George was arrested in Gillette. He received 51 months imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and a $500.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Wyoming Man Sentenced for Assaulting Wife of One DayRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming Christopher A. Crofts announced today that on June 17, 2013, Keith Allen Smith, a 37 year old Northern Arapaho Tribal Member, was sentenced for assaulting his wife and causing her serious bodily injury on the day following their wedding. Mr. Smith was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal to 96 months imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. Mr. Smith was also ordered to pay $9271.41 in restitution for costs of medical care associated with the victim's injuries. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian affairs with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Sentences for on June 17 - June 20, 2013Read the Press Release
Marcus Trevino, 35, of Grand Prairie, Texas, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on June 20, 2013, on one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud and one count of arson and aiding and abetting. Trevino was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received 24 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In addition, Trevino was ordered to pay a $200.00 special assessment and restitution in the amount of $2,000.00. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Ira Izell Jones, Jr., 42, was resentenced on June 20, 2013, after being granted a second sentencing hearing by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal. Jones was previously sentenced in October, 2010 and motioned the court for a new hearing because the sentence issued in 2010 did not apply the terms of the Fair Sentencing Act, which became effective August 3, 2010. The Court vacated the judgment previously entered in this case and resentenced Jones to 180 months imprisonment, to be followed by six years of supervised release and ordered him to pay a $200.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Robert Shane Esterline, 34, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on June 20, 2013, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Esterline was obtained via write from state custody. He received 48 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and a $250.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Elmer Garcia-Perez, aka Elmer Perez-Garcia, 34, of Mexico, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on June 17, 2013, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Garcia-Perez 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.
J. Guadalupe Medina-Zeferino, 30, or Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on June 17, 2013, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Medina-Zeferino was arrested in Douglas, 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’s U.S. Attorney’s Office Continues Long-standing Dedication to Public Safety on the Wind River ReservationRead the Press Release
Earlier this month the U.S. Department of Justice released a report to Congress entitled Indian Country Investigations and Prosecutions, which was compiled from U.S. Attorney’s Offices and FBI crime data from reservations and which shows a 54 percent increase in Indian Country criminal prosecutions nationwide since Fiscal Year 2009.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming works cooperatively with tribal, federal and sometimes state courts to achieve justice in crimes occurring in Indian Country. In Wyoming, the U.S. Attorney’s Office shares prosecutorial responsibilities in Indian Country with tribal prosecutors. Currently, under the Indian Civil Rights Act, the Shoshone and Arapaho Tribal Court’s authority to sentence a defendant is limited to a term of imprisonment of one year and a fine of $5000 per offense. Because tribal court penalties are limited, the most serious of crimes are prosecuted in federal court by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The Justice report shows that numbers for the District of Wyoming are slightly lower for prosecutions (down 14 cases from 2011 to 2012) and slightly higher for declinations (up 2 cases from 2011 to 2012). The most common reasons reported for declining a case usually are that there may be a legal obstacle (such as the crime is beyond the statute of limitations), or insufficient evidence, or that the District has referred the case for prosecution by a different jurisdiction. Wyoming has attributed lower serious crimes in the last several years to the influx of federal resources and officers by the Bureau of Indian Affairs to the Wind River Reservation in 2010 as part of their “high performance priority goal” designation. Higher numbers of officers resulted in more arrests for petty offenses and a consequent reduction of more serious crime.
In the District of Wyoming, the USAO shares prosecutorial responsibilities with the Tribal prosecutors and the Shoshone and Arapaho Tribal Court. The Tribal courts and prosecutors are indispensable players in providing public safety to our Reservation communities. In Wyoming, federal and tribal prosecutors work cooperatively with one another, and often with state prosecutors as well, to determine which court has jurisdiction over a particular crime and which court system, whether state, tribal or federal, can best achieve justice in the case.
The Wyoming USAO has had an office near the Wind River Reservation dedicated to addressing violent crime on the Reservation for 18 years. U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming Kip Crofts served as the sole federal prosecutor assigned to Indian Country for 7 years, before another attorney was added. When Crofts became the U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming, he put one of his supervisory attorney positions in the Indian Country office, in recognition of the importance of public safety in Indian Country and Indian Country crimes. Over the last ten years, the number of attorneys assigned to Indian Country has been increased from one to four. The U.S. Attorney’s office is an active participant in the Reservation’s Child Protection Team, and meets several times per month with the Tribal prosecutors – all in an effort to improve the level of services to the Reservation population.
The USAO in Wyoming is also focused on helping victims deal with the impact of crime. For years the USAO in Wyoming has hosted an annual victims’ conference, bringing together service providers, victim advocates, law enforcement, judges and other criminal justice professionals for a multi-day information sharing opportunity.
Indian Country law enforcement is shared between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and tribal police, with assistance from state and local officers. Serious crimes are responded to jointly by the FBI and the BIA. The agents decide which agency will take the lead on any particular case. Working as a team allows one agent to respond to the crime scene while the other makes contact with victims and witnesses at the hospital or other location.
The Indian Country Investigations and Prosecutions report released earlier this month by the Department of Justice showcases a new era of partnership between the federal government and American Indian tribes. Such collaboration between tribal and federal law enforcement is a longstanding tradition in Wyoming – one to which the U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed.Sentences for June 10 – 12, 2013Read the Press Release
Joseph Richard Adams, 55, of Los Angeles, California, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on June 12, 2013, for conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud. Adams was arrested in Los Angeles, California. He received 24 months imprisonment, to be followed by two years of supervised release. In addition, The Court determined restitution was mandatory; however, final determination was delayed for 90 days. The preliminary figure for restitution is $4,475.034.63, inclusive of penalties and interest, if applicable. Restitution will be imposed jointly and severally on all co-defendants in 12CR-00058S. The Court ordered forfeiture in the amount of $584,051.99. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Secretary of State’s Office, the U.S. Postal Service, U.S. Secret Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Efrain Tzompa-Herdandez, 33, of Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on June 10, 2013, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Tzompa-Hernandez 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.
Donnie Lue Neice, 42, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on June 10, 2013, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Neice was obtained via a Writ from state custody. He received 38 months of imprisonment, to run concurrent with his state conviction for grand larceny. In addition, Neice will serve three years of supervised release after serving his sentence and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and a $250.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Wyoming Woman Charged with Conversion of Moneys from an Indian Tribal OrganizationRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Christopher A. Crofts announced today that Joanne Lynn Seesequasis, the former executive director for the Eastern Shoshone Housing Authority, appeared in federal court on June 10, 2013, for an arraignment. Ms. Seesequasis appeared with counsel and pled not guilty to the indictment charging conversion of moneys from an Indian Tribal organization, in violation 18 U.S.C. §1163. Ms. Seesequasis’ trial will be held on August 19, 2013, in Cheyenne, Wyoming before Chief United States District Court Judge Nancy Freudenthal. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of Inspector General.
An indictment is only an accusation. In every criminal case, the accused is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty, and the government always has the burden of proving guilt at trial beyond a reasonable doubt.Federal Fugitive Arrested in Bangkok, ThailandRead the Press Release
On June 5, 2013, Royal Thai Tourist Police, with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations (HIS) in Bangkok, arrested federal fugitive Paul David Cardwell. Cardwell was arrested following a tip provided to HSI Bangkok that Cardwell was residing in Hua Hin, Thailand. HSI Bangkok personnel traveled to Hua Hin and verified that the individual was Cardwell. Royal Thai Tourist Police were contacted and Cardwell was arrested.
It is alleged that Cardwell, with other co-conspirators, defrauded a Wyoming hospital of approximately $850,000 and traveled to Thailand to purchase real estate with the proceeds. HSI Bangkok began an investigation into Cardwell’s activities in Thailand.
On March 27, 2012, Cardwell surrendered to federal authorities and was charged with violation of numerous federal fraud statutes in U.S. District Court in Cheyenne, WY. He was released on bond following arraignment. As part of the condition of his release he surrendered his U.S. passport. Cardwell left the United States after attempting to procure another passport under a different identity.
U.S. Embassy Bangkok, American Citizen Services will be coordinating Cardwell's return to the U.S. Cardwell will be held in Thai custody until such time as he is transported back to the U.S.
The case was investigated by the DHS - Homeland Security Investigation, the FBI, and the US Postal Inspection Service.
An indictment is only an accusation. In every criminal case, the accused is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty, and the government always has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.Wyoming Man Charged with Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Christopher A. Crofts announced today that Lee Michael Spoonhunter, an enrolled Northern Arapaho Tribal member, appeared in federal court on June 6, 2013, for an arraignment. Mr. Spoonhunter appeared with counsel and pled not guilty to the indictment charging assault resulting in serious bodily injury, in violation 18 U.S.C. §§113(a)(6) & 1153. Mr. Spoonhunter’s trial will be held on August 12, 2013, in Cheyenne, Wyoming before Chief United States District Court Judge Nancy Freudenthal. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. An indictment is only an accusation. In every criminal case, the accused is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty, and the government always has the burden of proving guilt at trial beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sentences for June 05 - 06, 2013Read the Press Release
Robert Rodriguez, 44, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Nancy D. Freudenthal on June 6, 2013, on one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and one count of arson and aiding and abetting. Rodriguez was arrested in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He received 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay a $200.00 special assessment and $50,000.00 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Maria De Jesus Molinar-Varela, 37, of Mexico, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on June 6, 2013, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Molinar-Varela was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She received twelve months and one day of 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.
Michael Pollock, 43, of West Point, Utah, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on June 5, 2013, for possession of child pornography. Pollock was arrested in Kemmerer, Wyoming. He received 30 months of imprisonment, to be followed by ten years of supervised release and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and a $250.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Wyoming Woman Charged with Two Counts of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming Christopher A. Crofts announced that on May 23, 2013, Cecelia Gayle Shakespeare, aka Cecelia Gayle Ferris, a 28-year-old Northern Arapaho Tribal Member, was charged in an indictment with two counts of assault resulting in serious bodily injury in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(6) and 1153. The charges against Ms. Shakespeare stem from an incident that occurred on February 8, 2012 on the Wind River Indian Reservation. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. An indictment is only an accusation. In every criminal case, the accused is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty, and the government always has the burden of proving guilt at trial beyond a reasonable doubt.