District of Wyoming
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Mother of the man who killed Sheridan Police Sergeant Nevada Krinkee is sentencedRead the Press Release
Eileen Marie Hurley, 71, of Sheridan, Wyoming, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison with one year of supervised release for transfer of a firearm to a prohibited person and for making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on Oct. 1, 2025, in Cheyenne.
According to court documents, in May 2022, the defendant purchased three handguns and matching ammunition for her son, William Lowery in Sheridan. She specifically filled out Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) forms wherein she swore that she was the actual purchaser of the handguns. The defendant then gave them to Lowery even though she knew he was legally prohibited from possessing them due to his prior felony and domestic violence convictions.
On Feb. 13, 2024, Sheridan Police Sergeant Nevada Krinkee encountered Lowery when he served Lowery with a trespass notice outside a rental home where Lowery had been evicted. When Sergeant Krinkee attempted to restrain him, Lowery pulled a handgun from his waistband and shot Sergeant Krinkee several times in the presence of witnesses. Sergeant Krinkee sadly died from his injuries. Lowery was eventually shot and killed by law enforcement after a 30-hour standoff when he attempted to flee, armed with a rifle. Law enforcement found one of the pistols, purchased by the defendant, in the bathroom of the house where Lowery was barricaded. The other two handguns with ammunition purchased in 2022 by the defendant, were in Lowery’s truck.
In an initial interview with the ATF and Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), the defendant claimed she did not have “any idea where he [Lowery] got those guns.” Text messages exchanged between the defendant and her son indicated that she was specifically buying the guns for him despite knowing that her son was a violent felon, repeat domestic violence perpetrator, and drug addict. The ATF and DCI investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paige Hammer and Margaret Vierbuchen prosecuted the crime.
U.S. Attorney Darin Smith said, “If you buy a gun for a known violent prohibited person and they use that gun to commit a violent crime, you will be prosecuted. Although we cannot prevent all violent crime, this is the first line of defense in keeping firearms out of the hands of criminals who are a danger to our communities. We offer our support and condolences to the Krinkee family and the Sheridan Police Department. The government cannot obtain justice for the murder of Sgt. Krinkee, but others will now think twice before becoming a firearm straw-purchaser due to the precedent set in this case.”
“Having first served our country in the U.S. Army and later his community as a sergeant with the Sheridan Police Department, Sergeant Nevada Krinkee truly exemplified what it means to “protect and serve,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Brent Beavers. “Tragically, his life was taken by a violent felon armed with a gun that was illegally purchased and transferred. Today’s verdict cannot bring back the son, father, husband, and friend that so many love. But we hope it serves as a powerful reminder: straw purchasing is not just illegal, it’s preventable and can have deadly consequences.”
"Today’s sentencing brings a mix of emotions for all of us. While it provides some accountability, it also reminds us of the deep pain caused by the loss of Sgt. Nevada Krinkee. Nothing can make our department or community whole again, but each step toward justice helps us continue healing and honoring Nevada’s memory. We are extremely grateful to the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the United States Attorney's Office, who worked tirelessly to see this case through,” said Chief of Police for the Sheridan Police Department Travis Koltiska.
This case was brought as a result of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. It also streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Activity in the U.S. Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Financial Fraud
Cassandra Lee Corbin, 36, with no permanent address, was sentenced to 21 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release to follow for theft of government funds. According to court documents, the defendant, as the custodian of her two minor children, received Survivor Insurance Benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) upon the death of her husband. However, from November 2020 until May 2023 the children were no longer in her care and custody, and she knowingly failed to report to the SSA that she no longer had custody of the children and was not entitled to receive the benefits on their behalf. The Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General investigated the crime. Corbin was indicted on May 12 and pleaded guilty on June 27. Chief U.S. District Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Sept. 25 in Cheyenne. Case No. 24-CR-00096
Violent Crime
Cole Posey, 35, of Arapahoe, Wyoming, was sentenced to 50 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release to follow for assault resulting in serious bodily injury. According to court documents, on May 1, the Bureau of Indian Affairs Wind River Police Department advised the FBI that an assault had occurred at a residence in Ethete. When agents arrived, the victim was bleeding and had to be transported to the emergency room for a displaced nasal fracture caused by Posey hitting the victim in the face. The victim also had other injuries such as bruises and scratches that resulted from Posey. The Bureau of Indian Affairs Wind River Police Department and the FBI investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case. Posey was indicted on May 21 and pleaded guilty on July 1. Chief U.S. District Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Sept. 23 in Cheyenne. Case No. 25-CR-00087
Gonnie Chad Luis Angatomope Mendez aka Luis Mendez, 44, with no permanent residence, was sentenced to 51 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release for threatening a witness or victim with physical force. According to court documents, the victim disclosed in an interview with an FBI Child and Adolescent Forensic interviewer that Mendez would abuse the victim’s mother and then turn the abuse on the victim. The physical abuse on the victim happened when the victim tried to get the other children in the house to safety. Mendez threatened to kill the victim or kill the victim’s mother if the victim told anyone about Mendez’s assaults. The defendant provided a factual basis in which he admitted using physical force and the threat of physical force against the victim to hinder, delay and prevent the victim’s communication with law enforcement. The FBI investigated the crime and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kerry J. Jacobson prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Sept. 22 in Cheyenne. Case No. 24-CR-00120Drug Trafficking
Carlos Salazar, 50, with no permanent address, was sentenced to 92 months’ imprisonment with four years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to court documents, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) began investigating multiple people in December 2024 on suspicion of distributing methamphetamine. Throughout the investigation, agents learned that Salazar was a distributor in Wyoming and was buying his drugs from a source in Colorado. On Jan. 9, as Salazar and three others were returning from Colorado, the Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) attempted a traffic stop of the vehicle Salazar was driving in Converse County. Salazar fled and a pursuit ensued which ended with WHP using spike strips to stop the vehicle. Agents learned that methamphetamine had been tossed out of the window during the pursuit and was recovered by DCI. Wyoming DCI, Department of Homeland Security, and WHP investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie R. Morrison prosecuted the case. Salazar was arrested on complaint Feb. 7 and pleaded guilty to an Information on May 12. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Sept. 24 in Cheyenne. Case No. 25-CR-00075
Illegal Re-Entry of a Previously Deported Alien
Elmer Danillo Martinez Quinteros, 33, of Santa Barbara, Honduras, was sentenced to time served, approximately four months of imprisonment, and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents, on July 6, 2020, the defendant was arrested in Laramie County for driving while under the influence of alcohol. ICE determined that he was previously deported and did not apply for permission to reenter the United States legally. He was apprehended in Texas on May 20, 2025. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Sept. 25 in Cheyenne. Case No. 20-CR-00119
Public Land Violation
Andres Sanchez Yobal, 64, of Bozeman, Montana, pled guilty to operating a motor vehicle with a breath alcohol concentration greater than .08, and operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license in Yellowstone National Park. He was then sentenced to a 60-day term of incarceration with credit for 19 days previously served and was ordered to serve the remaining 41-day term of incarceration immediately. The defendant was also placed on five years of unsupervised probation under various terms and conditions including a ban from Yellowstone National Park during the probationary period. U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick imposed the sentence on Sept. 19 in Mammoth.
About the United States Attorney’s Office
The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include:
Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious.
Operation Take Back America
Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. It also streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Victim Witness Program
The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to ensuring victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect.To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime
Activity in the U.S. Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
George Ostertag, 38, of Rawlins, Wyoming, was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release to follow for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on Jan. 24, 2024, Ostertag was pulled over for a traffic violation. A K9 drug dog alerted to controlled substances in the car and a subsequent search uncovered a 9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number wedged between the driver’s seat and the center console. Prior to this incident, Ostertag was convicted of a felony and unable to legally possess a firearm. The Wyoming Highway Patrol and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Hammer prosecuted the case. Ostertag was indicted on May 16, 2024, and pleaded guilty on June 17, 2025. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Sept. 9, in Cheyenne. Case No. 24-CR-00084
Drug and Firearm Offenses
Barry Joe Barrera, 41, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced to 152 months’ imprisonment with four years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, and use of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime. According to court documents, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) began investigating Barrera in December 2024 on suspicion of distributing methamphetamine. Throughout the investigation, agents made controlled purchases, including purchasing firearms and observed Barerra traveling to and from Colorado to replenish his supply of methamphetamine. On January 9, 2025, as Barrera and two others were returning from Colorado, the Wyoming Highway Patrol attempted a traffic stop in Converse County. The driver fled and a pursuit ensued. During the pursuit, someone tossed a bag of methamphetamine out the window, which law enforcement recovered. Wyoming DCI and the Department of Homeland Security investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie R. Morrison prosecuted the case. Barrera was arrested on complaint Feb. 27 and pleaded guilty on May 9. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Sept. 11 in Cheyenne. Case No. 25-CR-00074
Illegal Re-Entry of a Previously Deported Alien
Juan Olvera-Venegas, 35, of Guanajuato, Mexico, was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States upon completion of his sentence. According to court documents, on May 16, the defendant was arrested in Goshen County for possession of a controlled substance. Fingerprints taken at the time of detention indicated Olvera-Venegas is a citizen of Mexico and agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were contacted. They determined that Olvera-Venegas had previously been removed from the U.S. and had not applied for permission to reenter after being formally removed multiple times beginning in 2013. The records also indicated a lengthy criminal record accompanying each deportation. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kerry J. Jacobson prosecuted the case. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Sept. 11 in Cheyenne. Case No. 25-CR-00097About the United States Attorney’s Office
The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include:
Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious.
Operation Take Back America
Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. It also streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Victim Witness Program
The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to ensuring victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect.To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime
Cheyenne couple sentenced in fraud caseRead the Press Release
Sean P. Madigan, 35, and Victoria Madigan, 35, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, were both sentenced to five years of supervised probation for crimes related to making false statements and wire fraud. Sean was sentenced on June 6 and the court ordered him to pay $161,175 in restitution to the State of Wyoming. Sean was also ordered to pay $12,864 in restitution, joint and several with his co-defendant Victoria, to the Cheyenne Housing Authority. Victoria was sentenced on September 10 and the court also ordered her to pay $12,864, to be paid joint and several with Sean, to the Cheyenne Housing Authority.
According to court documents, Sean and Victoria Madigan were a married couple with three children living in Cheyenne. The couple received housing assistance through the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program while also running a coffee shop in the Cheyenne Frontier Mall. They used the same bank account for the financial needs of the coffee shop and their household, but they did not disclose the income from their business to the Cheyenne Housing Authority when certifying their eligibility for housing assistance. While a false statement to the Cheyenne Housing Authority is not a statement made directly to a federal agency or department, it is still a matter within the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
After various governmental assistance programs became available to help keep businesses from failing due to Covid-19 related restrictions, Sean used the coffee shop to facilitate fraudulently receiving Covid-19 relief funds. Rather than spend Covid-19 business relief funds solely for business purposes as required by the State of Wyoming grant programs, the Madigans spent a material portion of the money on household daily living expenses.
“Some argue that white collar crime is a victimless crime, but that could not be further from the truth. We all end up paying when someone defrauds the government—the Madigan’s actions are an outright theft from American taxpayers,” said U.S Attorney Darin Smith. We are grateful for HUD’s extensive investigation which exposed the calculated efforts of this couple to exploit government programs.”
"The defendants allegedly engaged in a complex, multi-agency fraud scheme that diverted over $300,000 in critical taxpayer dollars intended to support struggling businesses during an unprecedented pandemic, while also receiving HUD housing assistance through a program that was intended for low income families " said Special Agent-in-Charge Machelle Jindra with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Office of Inspector General (OIG). “HUD OIG remains steadfast in its commitment to working with our prosecutorial partners to aggressively pursue those who engage in activities that threaten the integrity of HUD programs.”
HUD investigated the crime and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christyne Martens prosecuted the crime. Case No. CR-25-00030 and CR-25-00039
Activity in the U.S. Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Drug Trafficking
Charnele Dawn Jenkins, 31, of Riverton, Wyoming, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison followed by two years of supervised release for distribution of fentanyl. According to court documents, on Aug. 27, 2024, the defendant sold fentanyl pills to an undercover Rocky Mountain Safe Trails Task Force Agent in Riverton. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist prosecuted the crime. Jenkins was indicted on Jan. 15 and pleaded guilty on May 27. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Aug. 15 in Cheyenne. Case No. 25-CR-00019
Jeramie Russel Makinen, 40, of Evanston, Wyoming, was sentenced to 51 months and 29 days in federal prison with five years of supervised release to follow for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, aiding and abetting in the distribution of fentanyl, and distribution of fentanyl. According to court documents, Special Agents with the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) in Rock Springs were investigating drug trafficking in Sweetwater County. Through the progression of the investigation, the defendant was identified as a person of interest. Agents observed Makinen selling methamphetamine and fentanyl. Deputies with the Sweetwater Sheriff’s Office (SSO) later conducted a traffic stop where the defendant was arrested. DCI, SSO, and DEA investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold prosecuted the crime. The defendant was indicted on Jan. 15 and pleaded guilty on April 22. U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Aug. 14 in Casper. Case No. 25-CR-00007
About the United States Attorney’s Office
The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include:
Rocky Mountain Safe Trails Task Force
The Rocky Mountain Safe Trails Task Force is a collaborative law enforcement effort focused on combating violent crime and drug trafficking, especially within Native American communities in the Rocky Mountain region. It unites the FBI with various law enforcement agencies, including tribal police departments, state and local law enforcement, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious.
Operation Take Back America
Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. It also streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).Victim Witness Program
The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to ensuring victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect.To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime
Darin D. Smith Appointed to Serve as U.S. Attorney for the District of WyomingRead the Press Release
CHEYENNE, WY – The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that Darin D. Smith has taken the oath of office—administered by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin on Monday—to serve as the United States Attorney for the District of Wyoming. U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi appointed Mr. Smith to serve as interim U.S. Attorney.
The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers.
The Office is involved in several programs designed to make Wyoming communities safer including Project Safe Childhood, Operation Take Back America, and the Victim Witness Program dedicated to ensuring victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect.
Mr. Smith was elected to represent District 6 in the Wyoming State Senate in November 2024. He has practice law in Wyoming since 2000 and is the founding member of the Smith Group Law Office. Smith has also worked with major non-profit organizations like the Family Research Council during that time.
Smith received a B.S. from the University of Wyoming in 1996 and J.D. from the University of Wyoming College of Law in 2000. He earned Honorable Mention Academic All-American honors while a member of the University of Wyoming wrestling team.
“I am honored to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming and thank Attorney General Bondi for placing her trust in me. It is a privilege to lead this great office, and I look forward to working with our federal, state, and local partners to protect the public and defend the interests of the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Darin D. Smith.
Illegal aliens sentenced for drug trafficking and possession of firearmsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming announced today that a drug trafficking case involving two illegal aliens in possession of firearms resulted in lengthy sentences for both defendants.
Oscar Espinoza-Duarte (Espinoza), 32, of Chihuahua, Mexico was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment with five years of supervised release to follow for two counts of distribution of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting that offense; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. German Ortiz-Esparza (Ortiz), 35, of San Luis Potosi, Mexico, was sentenced to 120 month’s imprisonment with three years of supervised release to follow for the distribution of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting that crime and being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.
During an investigation into drug trafficking activities in the District of Wyoming, including the Wind River Indian Reservation (WRIR) and surrounding communities, Agents of the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) received information that Espinoza and Ortiz were known to supply methamphetamine to multiple distributors on the WRIR. Through the investigation, agents learned that Espinoza and Ortiz were frequently driving to Denver to pick up large quantities of methamphetamine and returning to the area of the WRIR where they sold it to distributors.
According to court documents, on Feb. 25, agents arrested both men at Espinoza’s trailer. Ortiz had 8 grams of cocaine and a 9mm pistol on his person and Espinoza had a .45 caliber pistol. In the trailer agents found a pound of methamphetamine, three additional firearms, including a pistol with an obliterated serial number, and over $5,000 in cash.
Espinoza and Ortiz were indicted on March 20. Espinoza pleaded guilty on May 14 and Ortiz pleaded guilty on May 15. U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced Ortiz on Aug. 5 and Espinoza on Aug. 7 in Casper.
This crime was investigated by the DCI, FBI and the Safe Trails Task Force, and assisted by state and local law enforcement, BIA and ICE. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist. This conviction is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transactional criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Case No. 25-CR-00050
U.S. Attorney’s Office obtains judgment for fraudulent transfer of fundsRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming operates a Financial Litigation Program (FLP) which enforces fines and restitution resulting from criminal convictions in federal court. Recent developments in a case from 2010 led the U.S. District Court to enter a civil judgment in U.S. v. Metcalf et al. against Dustie R. Metcalf to void fraudulent transfers of money she had been receiving for several years from a federal criminal defendant, David Saunders.
According to court documents, Mr. Saunders was found guilty in 2010 of making a false statement on a bank loan application. In addition to a term of supervised probation, Mr. Saunders was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $185,992.40. Since that conviction, Mr. Saunders has actively avoided paying his financial obligations and has, instead, been transferring his assets to Ms. Metcalf in an attempt to avoid collection. Assistant U.S. Attorney, Jasmine Peters the (FLP) Coordinator for the District of Wyoming, conducted an extensive investigation into Mr. Saunders and Ms. Metcalf. That investigation revealed substantial sums of money fraudulently transferred to Ms. Metcalf, including approximately $3,000 a week under the guise of self‑described “child support,” and multiple other transfer of funds ranging from $5,000 to $75,000 since at least 2019.
“These transfers were done with the clear intent to render Mr. Saunders insolvent and avoid paying his court ordered restitution. As a result of the outstanding work of AUSA Peters securing the civil judgment against Ms. Metcalf, the FLP anticipates collecting the restitution owed by Mr. Saunders, but now from Ms. Metcalf,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Stephanie I. Sprecher.
For more information about the FLP, visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wy/civil-division.
Gillette man sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamineRead the Press Release
Wade Schear, 42, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on July 17, 2025, in Cheyenne.
Shear was convicted by a federal jury on April 30 following a three-day jury trial. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Central Enforcement Team began an investigation into the possession, transportation, and distribution of methamphetamine in Natrona County. During the investigation, Schear was identified as a person of interest. On June 22, 2024, the Platte County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop on Schear's vehicle near Chugwater. Deputies searched Schear's vehicle after a K9 alerted to presence of controlled substances. Deputies located approximately 871 grams of methamphetamine in two large plastic bags hidden in Schear’s backpack. Trial evidence indicated Schear frequently traveled from Wyoming to Colorado to obtain large quantities of methamphetamine to bring back to Wyoming. Schear had previously been convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on two occasions.
The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Central Enforcement Team and the Platte County Sheriff’s Office investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mackenzie R. Morrison and Eric Heimann prosecuted the case.
Case No. 24-CR-00136
Activity in the U.S. Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Possession of Child Pornography
George Jared Peck, 36 of Greybull, Wyoming, was sentenced to 125 months’ imprisonment followed by 10 years of supervised release for possession of child pornography, subsequent offense. The court ordered the defendant to pay $23,000 in restitution to the victims whose images were obtained and shared. According to court documents, on March 5, 2024, the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children received a CyberTip that someone was attempting to upload a Child Exploitation Image online. The tip was sent to the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, which was able to track it back to the defendant. Multiple images and videos were uploaded and distributed from the same account. Peck had previous felony convictions, including promoting a sexual performance of a child under 17 years of age, corruption of minors, and sexual abuse of children. The DCI-ICAC Task Force investigated this crime, and Z. Seth Griswold prosecuted the case. The defendant was indicted on Nov. 20, 2024, and pleaded guilty on April 10. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on July 14 in Cheyenne.
Drug Trafficking
Mary Renee Weymouth, 63, of Lander, Wyoming, was sentenced to 70 months’ imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana. According to court documents, the defendant was under investigation for drug distribution in Fremont County. Agents had information that her source of supply was in Las Vegas and the investigation indicated Weymouth was possibly in Las Vegas. Investigators intercepted Weymouth and her codefendant, Cathy Kay Gordon, on their return trip from Las Vegas back to Shoshoni, where a search yielded approximately six pounds of methamphetamine and 29 pounds of marijuana. The FBI and Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist prosecuted the crime. The defendant was indicted on Nov. 11, 2024, and pleaded guilty on April 24. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on July 14 in Cheyenne. Case No. 25-CR-00022
Cathy Kay Gordon, 54, of Shoshoni, Wyoming, was sentenced to 120 months for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. According to court documents, the defendant conspired with Mary Renee Weymouth to distribute drugs in Fremont County. Agents had information that Weymouth’s source of supply was in Las Vegas and the investigation indicated Weymouth was possibly in Las Vegas. Investigators intercepted Weymouth and her codefendant, Cathy Kay Gordon, on their return trip from Las Vegas back to Shoshoni, where a search yielded approximately six pounds of methamphetamine and 29 pounds of marijuana. The FBI and Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist prosecuted he crime. The defendant was indicted on Jan. 15 and pleaded guilty on March 31. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on July 14 in Cheyenne. Case No. 25-CR-00022
Illegal Re-Entry of a Previously Deported Alien
Angel Anibel Felipe-Perez, 32, of Tabasco, Mexico, was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release and will be deported for aggravated illegal reentry into the United States following his imprisonment. According to court documents, on Feb. 8, the defendant was arrested by the Uinta County Sheriff’s Department for interference with a peace officer and duty to stop when vehicle accident involves death or injury. ICE was contacted. They determined that Felipe-Perez had previously been removed from the U.S. and had not applied for permission to reenter after being formally removed in November 2019. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence in Cheyenne on July 15. Case No. 25-CR-00041Manuel Ruiz-Ruiz, 42, of Zacatecas, Mexico, was sentenced to time served and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents, on April 23, Ruiz-Ruiz was arrested by the Cheyenne Police Department for driving under a cancelled, suspended, or revoked license and giving a false identity. The defendant used at least seven different aliases and three birthdates. The Laramie County jail contacted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The defendant’s fingerprints were examined against ICE’s database, and a match was found. ICE determined that Ruiz-Ruiz had previously been removed from the U.S. and had not applied for permission to reenter after being formally removed in July 2019. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence in Cheyenne on July 17. Case No. 25-CR-00092.
David Leon-Campos, 33, of Guanajuato, Mexico, was sentenced to 7 months’ imprisonment and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States and employment document fraud. According to court documents, on July 14, 2024, Leon-Campos was arrested in Sweetwater County for DWUI, interference, failure to report an accident, suspended license, and no insurance. ICE was contacted, and they determined that Leon-Campos had previously been removed from the U.S. and had not applied for permission to reenter after being formally removed in November 2020. Investigators with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) learned that Leon-Campos used a fake Social Security card and a fake green card to obtain employment. ICE and HSI investigated the crimes, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence in Casper on July 16. Case No. 25-CR-00137
Public Lands Violation
Stephanie K. McGee, age 45 of Boonesboro, Maryland, was sentenced to 30 days of incarceration after admitting to violating the terms of her unsupervised probation in previous driving under the influence (DUI) cases in Yellowstone National Park. On September 3, 2024, McGee was convicted of two separate DUI charges and other substance-related offenses and sentenced to seven days of incarceration and a term of unsupervised probation that required her, among other terms, not to use or possess alcohol or controlled substances. On May 14, U.S. Park Rangers in Acadia National Park found McGee in her vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and in possession of a half-full 750 ml bottle of vodka. McGee admitted that her actions in May 2025 constituted a violation of her probation terms. U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick imposed the sentence on July 15 in Mammoth.
About the United States Attorney’s Office
The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include:
Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious.
Operation Take Back America
Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. It also streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Victim Witness Program
The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to ensuring victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect.To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime
Arapahoe man sentenced for abusive sexual contact with a minorRead the Press Release
Kendall Joseph Moss III, 35, of Arapahoe, Wyoming, was sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment followed by 15 years of supervised release for abusive sexual contact with a minor. U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence in Casper on July 10.
Moss was convicted by a federal jury on March 20, after a four-day trial. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, an investigation began in connection with a minor witness’s disclosure to a student advocate and school resource officer at her elementary school of sexual abuse by the defendant in 2021. Dr. Gail S. Goodman, PH.D., a Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Davis, testified at trial on the dynamics of child sexual abuse, including that victims often delay disclosing the sexual abuse or make piecemeal disclosures of the abuse over time. The victim was interviewed twice over two years and provided more details of the sexual abuse in her second interview. The defendant made statements to law enforcement indicating the victim was not lying in her allegations against him. The jury’s verdict found the defendant guilty of touching the minor victim in her genital area over her clothing with the intent of sexual gratification.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs Wind River Police Department and the FBI investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kerry J. Jacobson prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Case No. 24-CR-00165
Activity in the U.S. Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Firearm Offenses
Shawn Richard Flett, 38, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced to 34 months with three years of supervised release to follow for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on Oct. 2, 2024, the Casper Police Department was called to a domestic disturbance involving Flett. During the investigation, law enforcement learned that Flett had a firearm hidden in his apartment and that he was a convicted felon, prohibiting him from possessing a firearm. Flett admitted that the firearm was given to him to settle a debt. The Casper Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Hammer prosecuted the case. A complaint was filed on Feb. 4, and Flett waived indictment and pleaded guilty to the indictment on April 15. U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence in Casper on July 8. Case No. 24-00062
Activity in the U.S. Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Drug Trafficking
Gloria Merina Wass, 64, of Hudson, Wyoming, was sentenced to time served and will be on supervised release for three years for distribution of methamphetamine. According to court documents, on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, the defendant sold an undercover law enforcement agent methamphetamine and agreed to sell him more in the future. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist prosecuted the case. Wass was indicted on Jan. 15, 2025, and pleaded guilty on March 3, 2025. U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on July 1, 2025, in Casper. Case No. 25-00021.
Illegal Reentry
Isauro Enriquez-Rios, 39, of Chihuahua, Mexico, was sentenced to time served and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents, on May 6, 2025, Enriquez-Rios was arrested by the Wyoming Highway Patrol for a traffic-related offense in Casper. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was contacted, and they determined that Enriquez-Rios had previously been removed from the U.S. and had not applied for permission to reenter after being formally removed in January 2011. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence in Cheyenne on July 2, 2025. Case No. 25-CR-00093
About the United States Attorney’s Office
The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include:
Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious.
Operation Take Back America
Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. It also streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Victim Witness Program
The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to ensuring victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect.To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime
Activity in the U.S. Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Possession of Child Pornography
Sean Joseph Brennan, 58, of Hudson, Wyoming, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison with 10 years of supervised release to follow for possession of child pornography, subsequent offense. The court ordered restitution of $33,000 to be paid to the victims identified in the child pornography Brennan possessed. According to court documents, on Sept. 10, 2024, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force was contacted by the Lander Police Department (LPD) who requested assistance with an investigation. LPD received information that Brennan had been engaged in online chats with an individual Brennan believed to be 13 years old. As part of their investigation, detectives were granted search warrants for his property and seized electronic devices containing thousands of images and videos of child sexual assault material, or CSAM. DCI – ICAC and LPD investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold prosecuted the case. The defendant was indicted on Nov. 20, 2024, and pleaded guilty on April 3. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on June 25 in Cheyenne. Case No. 24-CR-00166
Drug Trafficking
Tyler Kihlstrom, 35, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison with five years of supervised release to follow for conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. According to court documents, from March 2024 through May 29, 2024, Kihlstrom, along with others in Wyoming and Colorado, conspired to obtain methamphetamine in Colorado and distribute it in Wyoming. In May, after agents conducted several controlled purchases from Kihlstrom, he was pulled over and arrested near Douglas. He was found in possession of 549 grams of methamphetamine and over $8,000 in U.S. currency. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. Kihlstrom was indicted on July 18, 2024, and pleaded guilty on Dec. 2, 2024. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on June 26 in Cheyenne. Case No. 24-00103.
Illegal Reentry
Jorge Perez-Romero, 51, of Mexico, was sentenced to time served and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents, on April 6, 2025, Perez-Romero was arrested by the Wyoming Highway Patrol for traffic-related offenses. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was contacted, and they determined that Perez-Romero had previously been removed from the U.S. and had not applied for permission to reenter after being formally removed in June 2005. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence in Cheyenne on June 24. Case No. 25-CR-00077
About the United States Attorney’s OfficeThe United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include:
Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious.
Operation Take Back America
Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. It also streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Victim Witness Program
The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to ensuring victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect.To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime
Gillette man sentenced for defrauding U.S. GovernmentRead the Press Release
James M. Alexander, 63, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison followed by two years of supervised release for theft of government property (disability benefits) and filing a false income tax return. In addition, the court ordered restitution of $409,422.28 and a special assessment of $200. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on June 17 in Cheyenne. Judge Johnson ordered the Defendant to begin serving the 12-month sentence on August 4, 2025.
According to court records, as a result of an injury suffered on his job at BNSF Railway, the Defendant applied for and received total and permanent disability benefits from the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (“RRB”). The RRB administers disability benefits to railroad employees who were totally and permanently disabled and unable to work in any kind of regular job as a result of their work for the railroad. As a condition of receiving monthly disability benefits, the Defendant agreed to inform the RRB if he earned any income or his condition improved, as this would impact his ability to continue receiving monthly disability benefits.
From January 1, 2016, to December 2024, the Defendant failed to report to RRB that his disability did not prevent him from working and/or that he had received substantial income for construction/remodeling work he performed. For example, he failed to report to the RRB income he earned from a construction company from January 2016 to August 2023, totaling $330,830.
The defendant further admitted to filing false returns that underreported his true income, including the income he received from a construction company.
Acting United States Attorney Stephanie Sprecher said, “Our office remains steadfast in the pursuit of those who steal from federal programs and deprive the government of vital income for public programs. The defendant’s actions not only defrauded the RRB out of much needed revenue to assist those who are truly disabled, but he also cheated his fellow citizens who pay their fair share of taxes. Thanks to the excellent investigative work conducted by our federal partners, he was held accountable for his actions."
“This sentence shows our dedication to holding accountable those who defraud government programs and disregard their tax obligations,” said Amanda Prestegard, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-CI Denver Field Office. “As demonstrated, our agents will continue to partner with the U.S.Attorney’s Office and our federal law enforcement partners to diligently fight the abuses of government programs and hold those responsible for deliberately hiding their income.”The RRB-Office of Inspector General and IRS-Criminal Investigations investigated the crime.
Case No. 25-CR-00035
Activity in the U.S. Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Drug Trafficking
Ashley Nicole Haberman, 40, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to a total of 144 months’ imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl. According to court documents, beginning in September of 2024, detectives with the Cheyenne Police Department Community Action Team began an investigation into the distribution of fentanyl in the Cheyenne area. Through surveillance and interviews, they were able to track Haberman and her boyfriend at the time, Brady Ehlers’, movements to Colorado where they purchased fentanyl and brought it back to Laramie County to distribute. The investigation revealed that Haberman and other coconspirators were redistributing the fentanyl for several months and that one redistributor sold the fentanyl to another person who overdosed. Detectives also issued search warrants, resulting in the seizure of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia from Ehler’s vehicle and their shared hotel room. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Cheyenne Police Department investigated the crime. Assistance U.S. Attorney Mackenzie Morrison prosecuted the case. U.S. District Judge Scott W. Skadahl imposed the sentence in Casper on June 5, 2025. Case No. 25-CR-00033.
Drug Trafficking & Firearms
Donald Cameron Jackson, 33, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced to 155 months followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine, and for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to court filings, in September 2024, Jackson was identified as a source of supply for fentanyl in Natrona County. In September and October 2024, Special Agents with the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) conducted three controlled purchases of fentanyl from Jackson. A subsequent search warrant was executed at his residence, resulting in the seizure of approximately 218 grams of fentanyl, 11.8 grams of cocaine, and a semi-automatic handgun with a high-capacity drum magazine. Jackson admitted that within the last six months he had obtained and redistributed a half ounce of cocaine and 500 fentanyl pills per week. He also stated that he is prohibited from possessing firearms and he received a firearm as collateral, in exchange for $200 worth of cocaine. DCI investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Makenzie Morrison prosecuted the case. A complaint was filed on Dec. 3, 2024, and Jackson waived indictment, pleading guilty to an Information on March 14. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence in Cheyenne on June 3. Case No. 25-00031Tristan Brynn Larsen, 40, of Hudson, Wyoming, was sentenced to 120 months with five years of supervised release to follow for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and fentanyl analogue (Carfentanil) and for possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to court records, in September 2024, while investigating drug distribution activity on the Wind River Indian Reservation, the Rocky Mountain Safe Trails Task Force (RMSTTF) identified Larsen as a local source of supply for drugs. During the investigation, law enforcement purchased fentanyl from Larsen and obtained a search warrant for her vehicle and residence. On Oct. 4, 2024, Larsen was identified and stopped by law enforcement at which time she admitted to having fentanyl on her person. Firearms were also located in her vehicle. Larsen later admitted to purchasing large quantities of fentanyl tablets and fentanyl powder in Denver and redistributing them in Fremont County. The RMSTTF is a joint undertaking of the FBI, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), and local law enforcement agencies. RMSTTF is tasked with identifying and disrupting the distribution of controlled substances in and around the Wind River Indian Reservation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist prosecuted the case. A complaint was filed on Nov. 1, 2024, and Larsen waived indictment, pleading guilty to an Information on March 14. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence in Cheyenne on June 2. Case No. 25-00036
Illegal Re-Entry of a Previously Deported Alien
Marco Mejia-Montiel, 36, of Hueyotlipan, Tlaxcala, Mexico, was sentenced to time served and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents, on Sept. 16, 2024, Mejia-Montiel was arrested by the Jackson Police Department for the violation of a protection order, a probation violation and contempt of court. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was contacted, the defendant’s fingerprints were examined against their database, and a match was found. They determined that Mejia- Montiel had previously been removed from the U.S. and had not applied for permission to reenter after being formally removed in August 2018, September 2021, May 2024, and June 2024. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence in Cheyenne on June 3. Case No. 25-CR-00069
Public Land Violations
Timothy Steury II, age 31, of Eugene, Oregon, was sentenced to 10 days of incarceration, with credit for 6 days previously served. On June 3, Steury pled guilty to refusing to submit to an official breath test after being stopped by law enforcement and suspected of driving while impaired, contempt of court for refusing to comply with a validly issued warrant for his blood, and speeding. He was also ordered to pay $1,060 in fines and court costs and placed on 2 years of unsupervised probation, terms of which include a ban from Yellowstone National Park during that time. The refusal of a breath test conviction was also reported to the state that issued Mr. Steury’s driver’s license. U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick imposed the sentence in Mammoth.
Activity in the U.S. Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Drug Trafficking
Brady Joseph Ehlers, 35, of Evanston, Wyoming, was sentenced to a total of 168 months’ imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl. According to court documents, beginning in September of 2024, detectives with the Cheyenne Police Department Community Action Team began an investigation into the distribution of fentanyl in the Cheyenne area. Through surveillance and interviews, they were able to track Ehlers’ movements to purchase fentanyl from Colorado and distribute it in Laramie County. The investigation revealed that Ehlers sold fentanyl to other redistributors, which resulted in the death of another person who overdosed on fentanyl. Detectives also issued search warrants, resulting in the seizure of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia from Ehler’s vehicle and residence. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Cheyenne Police Department investigated the crime. Assistance U.S. Attorney Mackenzie Morrison prosecuted the case. U.S. District Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence in Cheyenne on April 15, 2025.
Eli Alan Elbert, 44, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced in two separate criminal cases to 240 months’ imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release. In one criminal case, Elbert was charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition. In the second criminal case, Elbert was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and use of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. The indictments were filed Nov. 21, 2024. At the change of plea hearing on Feb. 27, Elbert admitted to being a felon and having possession of seven rounds of ammunition on June 29, 2024. He further admitted that from March 1 to May 29, 2024, he knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Elbert admitted to trading guns for drugs and selling methamphetamine between March 1, 2024, and May 29, 2024. This crime was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. Chief U.S. District Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence in Casper on May 29.
John Fowler, 35, with no permanent residency, was sentenced to a total of 151 months’ imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine and for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. According to court records, on July 31, 2024, Wyoming law enforcement agencies received a tip that Fowler would be traveling to Wyoming from Texas with a large quantity of drugs. The next day, the car was pulled over in Natrona County, where officers found 404 grams of methamphetamine and around 48 grams of cocaine. Law enforcement learned that Fowler had previously obtained additional methamphetamine in June of 2024 as well. The indictment was filed on November 20, 2024, and Fowler pleaded guilty on March 11, 2024. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Natrona County Sheriff’s Department investigated the crime. Assistance U.S. Attorney Mackenzie Morrison prosecuted the case. Chief U.S. District Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence in Casper on May 29, 2025.
Firearm Offenses
Larry Michael Munday, 54, of Rozet, Wyoming, was sentenced to 48 months with three years of supervised release to follow for possession of an unregistered firearm. According to court documents, in late May of 2024, a federal firearm licensee shipped eight silencers to another licensee in Gillette using UPS. UPS discovered that Munday, an overnight cleaner, had stolen the packages as well as more than 150 other packages. The eight silencers were discovered at Munday’s residence and were not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. The Campbell County Sheriff’s Office, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Hammer prosecuted the case. Munday was indicted on Sept. 18, 2024, and pleaded guilty on March 7. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence in Cheyenne on May 27. Case No. 24-00147
Lavoy Robert Grandpre, III, 51, of Wheatland, Wyoming, was sentenced to 46 months with three years of supervised release to follow for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on July 3, 2024, Mr. Grandpre met with his state probation officer as required by the terms of his supervised release stemming from a state conviction. As part of the meeting, Mr. Grandpre’struck was searched, and multiple types of ammunition were located. Mr. Grandpre’s house was also searched and seven firearms were located. The Wheatland Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Hammer prosecuted the case. Munday was indicted on Sept. 18, 2024, and pleaded guilty on March 7. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence in Cheyenne on May 27. Case No. 24-00147
About the United States Attorney’s Office
The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include:
Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious.
Operation Take Back America
Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. It also streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).Victim Witness Program
The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to ensuring victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect.To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime
Oregon man found guilty of assaulting a Yellowstone National Park employee in a construction zoneRead the Press Release
David Tyler Regnier, 67, of Bend, Oregon, was convicted by a federal jury on May 21 for assaulting a federal employee with a dangerous weapon. The trial lasted three days and was held before U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on September 18, 2024, two Yellowstone National Park employees were directing traffic near Canyon Junction where road construction was underway. They noticed a jeep approaching the intersection and driving the wrong way down the road to bypass waiting traffic. Mr. Regnier was driving the jeep. He expressed his displeasure at how traffic was being directed through the construction zone. One employee told Regnier that he could not proceed and needed to back up. The other employee stood in the way of the jeep with a stop sign. Regnier accelerated, driving into the employee and physically pushing him backwards. The employee jumped out of the Jeep’s path after it struck him. Regnier was later stopped by Yellowstone National Park Service law enforcement officers and arrested.
Acting U.S. Attorney Stephanie I. Sprecher said, “Our office will take a strong stance against the frequent acts of violence directed at public servants who are merely doing their jobs to protect the community.”
Sentencing has been set for August 7, 2025. Regnier faces up to 20 years in federal prison with three years of supervised release to follow, up to a $250,000 fine and a $100 special assessment.
National Park Service law enforcement officers investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
Case No. 24-CR-00174
Activity in the U.S. Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Drug Trafficking
Kennett McLeod, 45, of Ethete, Wyoming, was sentenced to 64 months and eight days with three years of supervised release to follow for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. According to court documents, on June 12, 2024, the Wyoming Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop on McLeod’s vehicle and smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from the car. A K9 drug dog alerted to controlled substances, and a search was conducted. Troopers located 56 grams of methamphetamine, 39 grams of fentanyl, and marijuana. During questioning, McLeod admitted to purchasing large quantities of drugs from Colorado and selling them. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, and Wyoming Highway Patrol investigated the crime. Assistant. U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence in Cheyenne on May 16. Case No. 24-CR-00162
Illegal Re-Entry of a Previously Deported Alien
Juvencio “Juan” Aldana-Vasquez, 51, of Mexico, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents, on July 26, 2024, Aldana-Vasquez was encountered at the Laramie County jail after an arrest by the U.S. Marshal’s Task Force for sexual abuse of a minor. ICE was notified and they determined that Aldana-Vasquez had previously been removed from the U.S. and had not applied for permission to reenter after being formally removed in March 2019. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence in Cheyenne on May 16. Case No. 25-CR-00070Javier Gomez-Salazar, 31, of Mexico, was sentenced to time served and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents, on Oct. 28, 2024, Gomez-Salazar was arrested by the Jackson Police Department for driving under the influence of alcohol. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was contacted, the defendant’s fingerprints were examined against their database, and a match was found. They determined that Gomez-Salazar had previously been removed from the U.S. and had not applied for permission to reenter after being formally removed in June 2019. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence in Cheyenne on May 12. Case No. 25-CR-00042
Erick Orozco-Renova, 29, of Mexico, was sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents, on July 8, 2024, Orozco-Renova was arrested for interference with a police officer and booked into the Laramie County Jail. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was contacted, and the defendant’s fingerprints were examined against their database, and a match was found. They determined that Orozco-Renova had previously been removed from the U.S. and had not applied for permission to reenter after being formally removed in December 2022. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence in Cheyenne on May 13. Case No. 25-CR-00066
Leonardo Leon-Jaime, 42, of Mexico, was sentenced to eight months and then will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents, on Feb. 22, Leon-Jaime was arrested in Campbell County for driving under the influence of alcohol. ICE was contacted when he admitted to being a citizen of Mexico. They determined that Ramos-Perez had previously been removed from the U.S. and had not applied for permission to reenter after being formally removed in December 2017. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Calmes prosecuted the case. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence in Cheyenne on May 15. Case No. 25-CR-00043
Gillette man found guilty of trafficking methamphetamine from ColoradoRead the Press Release
Wade Schear, 41, of Gillette, Wyoming, was convicted by a federal jury on April 30 for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. The trial lasted nearly three days and was held before U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H Rankin.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Central Enforcement Team began an investigation into the possession, transportation, and distribution of controlled substances in Natrona County. During the investigation, Schear was identified as a person of interest. On June 22, 2024, the Platte County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop near Chugwater on a VW Bug driven by Schear. Deputies searched the vehicle after a K9 alerted to the presence of controlled substances. Deputies located approximately two pounds of methamphetamine hidden in a backpack that also contained multiple cell phones, over $800 in cash and Schear’s personal belongings. Trial evidence indicated Schear traveled several times from Wyoming to Colorado to obtain large quantities of methamphetamine for distribution in Wyoming.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 17. Schear faces a minimum of 10 years up to life imprisonment, followed by at least five years to life of supervised release, a $10 million fine, and a $100 special assessment.
The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Central Enforcement Team and the Platte County Sheriff’s Office investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mackenzie R. Morrison and Eric Heimann prosecuted the case.
Case No. 24-CR-00136
Activity in the U.S. Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Assault
Charlene Brown, 26, of Riverton, Wyoming, was sentenced to three years of probation for assault resulting in serious bodily injury. The court also imposed $34,777.33 in restitution. According to court documents, the defendant and the victim had been drinking heavily into the morning of May 29, 2024. The defendant took the victim for a drive in the victim’s car and crashed the car. The defendant’s blood alcohol content was .327. The victim sustained serious injuries, including one that involved a substantial risk of death. The FBI and Fremont County Sheriff’s Office investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kerry J. Jacobson prosecuted the crime. The defendant was indicted on July 18, 2024, and pleaded guilty on Jan. 27. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on April 21 in Cheyenne. Case No. 24-CR-00124
Firearm Offenses
Jason Sikkila, 46, a transient, was sentenced to 15 months with three years of supervised release to follow for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on June 3, 2024, the defendant was stopped in Buffalo, Wyoming, for blaring an airhorn in a mobile home park. Officers suspected he had been drinking and asked Sikkila to take a breath test, which he consented to, resulting in a .290 BAC. During a search of his vehicle, officers located a .380 caliber pistol. When questioned, Sikkila admitted he was a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms. The Buffalo Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Page Hammer prosecuted the case. Sikkila was indicted on July 19, 2024, and pleaded guilty on Jan. 28. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence in Casper on April 24. Case No. 24-00113
About the United States Attorney’s Office
The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include:
Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious.
Operation Take Back America
Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. It also streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Victim Witness Program
The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to ensuring victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect.To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime
Activity in the U.S. Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Tax Fraud
Adriana Terrazas-Pacheco, 25, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced to one month in federal prison, five months of home confinement, and one year of supervised release for the Willful Failure to File a Tax Return. She was also ordered to pay $48,039 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service, $4,387 for the costs of prosecution, and a $4,000 fine. According to court documents, Terrazas-Pacheco failed to file tax returns for tax years 2017-2022. When she learned she was being investigated, she filed delinquent tax returns, two of which were false because she underreported her true income. IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the federal tax investigation. The defendant waived indictment and pleaded guilty on Jan. 14. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on April 17 in Cheyenne. Case No. 24-CR-00003
Drug Trafficking
Curtis Wesley Rogers, 48, of Douglas, Wyoming, was sentenced in two separate criminal cases to 240 months’ imprisonment with 5 years of supervised release. In one criminal case, Rogers was charged with the distribution of fentanyl that resulted in the death of a Wyoming resident. In the second criminal case, the defendant was charged in the Eastern District of Texas with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. The court ordered the defendant to pay $9,219.78 to the Wyoming victim’s family. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Douglas Police Department, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the crimes. Chief U.S. District Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence in Casper on April 15, 2025.
Drug Trafficking & Firearms
Dustin Trosper, 22, a transient on the Wind River Reservation, was sentenced to 60 months with three years of supervised release to follow for carrying a firearm during in relation to a drug trafficking crime. According to court documents, on Aug. 14, 2024, the defendant met several people in the parking lot of a convenience store with the intent to sell them fentanyl. According to witness testimony, the victim attempted to attack Trosper by placing him in a chokehold from the backseat. Trosper dragged the victim out of the car and fired a pistol three to four times, hitting the victim. All parties took off, but the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) was able to locate the victim and take him to the hospital. The BIA and FBI investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case. Trosper was indicted on Sept. 18, 2024, and pleaded guilty on Jan. 27. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence in Cheyenne on April 17. Case No. 24-00151
Benjamin Cisneros, 65, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 120 months with five years of supervised release to follow for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, Cisneros was identified as a source of supply for drugs in Southeast Wyoming. On Nov. 12, 2024, officers witnessed Cisneros park at the Horse Palace at Swan Ranch outside of Cheyenne. Officers received permission to run a drug detection dog through the parking lot, and the dog positively alerted to Mr. Cisneros’ vehicle. Officers seized approximately 111.6 grams of cocaine. A search warrant was executed at Mr. Cisneros’ residence where officers seized another 27.3 grams of cocaine, over 500 grams of suspected methamphetamine, digital scales and packaging, all associated with distribution. A Heritage Rough Rider .22 caliber revolver, with an obliterated serial number, was also located in Mr. Cisneros’ bedroom. He is a convicted felon and not allowed to possess firearms. The Cheyenne Police Department Community Action Team investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Hammer prosecuted the case. On Jan. 14, Cisneros waived indictment and pleaded guilty to an Information. U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence in Cheyenne on April 15. Case No. 25-00004
Illegal Re-Entry of a Previously Deported Alien
Alfredo Carlos Chong-Licea, 51, of Mexico, was sentenced to time served and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents, on Jan. 27, Chong-Licea was arrested by the Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) in Carbon County for no driver’s license, failure to maintain a single lane, and fleeing/eluding the police. The defendant’s fingerprints were examined against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) database, and a match was found. ICE was contacted. They determined that Chong-Licea had previously been removed from the U.S. and had not applied for permission to reenter after being formally removed in October 2016. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie Morrison prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence in Cheyenne on April 18, 2025. Case No. 25-CR-00034Julio Lopez-Vazquez, 37, of Zacatecas, Mexico, was sentenced to time served and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents, on Oct. 26, 2024, Lopez-Vazquez was arrested by the Teton County Sheriff’s Office for driving under the influence of alcohol and not having a driver’s license. The defendant’s fingerprints were examined against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) database, and a match was found. ICE was contacted. They determined that Lopez-Vazquez had previously been removed from the U.S. and had not applied for permission to reenter after being formally removed in December 2019. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore investigated the case. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence in Cheyenne on April 15. Case No. 25-CR-00032
Miguel Ramos-Perez, 33, of Chiapas, Mexico, was sentenced to time served and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents, on Feb. 24, Ramos-Perez was arrested in Campbell County for failure to appear. ICE was contacted when he admitted to being a citizen of Mexico. They determined that Ramos-Perez had previously been removed from the U.S. and had not applied for permission to reenter after being formally removed in July 2022. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore investigated the case. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence in Cheyenne on April 15. Case No. 25-CR-00038
About the United States Attorney’s Office
The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include:
Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious.
Operation Take Back America
Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. It also streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Victim Witness Program
The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to ensuring victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect.To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime
Activity in the U.S. Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Attempted Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Illegal Sexual Activity
Kodey Dean Lamont, 29, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 156 months in federal prison with five years of supervised release to follow for attempting to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity. The court also ordered the defendant to pay $6,000 in restitution and a $100 special assessment. According to court documents, on Friday, October 4, 2024, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted an undercover online investigation by posting an ad on a website selling sexual services with a young female. The defendant interacted with the ad and was told the female was 14 years old. He expressed his desire to pay to have sexual intercourse with the minor. The defendant negotiated paying less if he brought methamphetamine to get the minor high before the sexual intercourse. The defendant also expressed his desire to record the intercourse. The defendant then traveled to a predetermined location to meet up with who he thought would be the minor where he was arrested. The defendant was indicted on Nov. 20, 2024, and pleaded guilty on Jan. 16. ICAC and HSI investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on April 8 in Cheyenne. Case No. 24-CR-00168
Drug Trafficking
Timothy McReynolds, 59, of Moorcroft, Wyoming, was sentenced to 78 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release to follow for distribution of methamphetamine. In June of 2023, agents with the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigations Northeast Enforcement Team (DCI NEET) were investigating known drug dealers in Campbell County. Between July and September of 2023, agents completed three different controlled buys from the defendant. DCI NEET investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold prosecuted the case. McReynolds waived indictment and pleaded guilty to an Information on Jan. 13. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on April 3 in Cheyenne. Case No. 24-00120
Jessie Miller, 31, of Big Horn, Wyoming, was sentenced to 48 months imprisonment with three years of supervised release to follow for distribution of methamphetamine. According to court documents, in April of 2024, the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) had been investigating several suspected drug distributors in Big Horn County. On May 4, the Sheridan Police Department conducted a traffic stop on Miller, and a canine alerted to drugs. Officers seized various amounts and types of drugs, including methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, MDMA, and marijuana. A search warrant of her electronic devices suggested Miller was buying and distributing large amounts of controlled substances in the area. DCI and the Sheridan Police Department investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie R. Morrison prosecuted the case. Miller waived indictment and pleaded guilty to an Information on Jan. 10. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on April 3 in Cheyenne. Case No. 24-00179
Firearm Offenses
Kilburn Troy Timbana, 39, of Arapahoe, Wyoming, was sentenced to 41 months, with three years of supervised release to follow for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, Riverton and Shoshone Police Departments were dispatched to W. Fremont Street for a male subject sleeping in a pickup parked in front of a residence. When officers arrived, they observed a male sleeping in the driver’s side of the truck with an automatic pistol sitting on the center console next to him. The officer opened the driver’s door, seized the semi-automatic weapon, cleared the pistol, which had three 3-rounds of hollow point ammunition, and eventually woke the defendant. In his change of plea hearing, he admitted that he knowingly possessed a Smith & Wesson pistol and was a previously convicted felon, which prohibited him from having the weapon. Timbana was indicted on Nov. 20. 2024 and pleaded guilty on Jan. 21. The Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives, the Riverton Police Department, and the Shoshone Police Department investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on April 10 in Cheyenne. Case No. 24-CR-00164
About the United States Attorney’s Office
The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include:
Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious.
Operation Take Back America
Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. It also streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Victim Witness Program
The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to ensuring victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect.To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime
Ethete man sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for abusive sexual contact as the U.S. Attorney’s Office recognizes National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
Since 1981, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) has challenged the nation to confront and remove barriers to achieving justice for all victims of crime. The U.S. Attorney’s Office uses the week to educate the public about victimization and its effects on individuals, families, friends, and communities. As the week kicked off across the nation, the District of Wyoming sentenced a case that recognized the accomplishments of the victims’ rights movement and reflected on how far it has come.
Dwayne Wahtomy Jr., age 47, of Ethete, Wyoming, was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment with 10 years of supervised release for the abusive sexual contact of a child by force. According to court documents, the victim disclosed that she had been sexually abused by the defendant when she was a minor. The defendant also threatened the victim to keep her silent.
During the investigation and prosecution of the case, the victim exercised several of her statutory victim’s rights. She was notified of all hearings, was notified of the defendant’s custody status, consulted with the prosecutor about a plea offer, and provided a victim impact statement at the sentencing hearing. Wahtomy was indicted on Sept. 18, 2024, and pleaded guilty on Jan. 15. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on April 7 in Cheyenne. The BIA investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
In 1988, the Office of Victims of Crimes (OVC) was established by the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 (VOCA). According to OVC, around 5 million people become victims of violent crimes annually, including rape, domestic violence, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and more. Being a victim of these traumatic crimes can, in most cases, create long-lasting impacts on someone and can sometimes create secondary problems like loss of relationships, mental health issues, physical problems, and a negative impact on occupational and societal function. Because of the prevalence and effects of crimes and victims of crimes, communities and governments have a responsibility to come up with ways to support these victims.
The Victim Witness Program for the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Wyoming, provides federal crime victims and witnesses with information, services, and support during federal prosecutions. The office is committed to ensuring that victims and witnesses of crime are treated fairly throughout their contact with the federal criminal justice system. For more information, visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wy/victim-witness-program
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Case No. 24-CR-00153
Members of methamphetamine drug ring in Casper are sentencedRead the Press Release
A drug trafficking case involving three people from Casper and their source of supply from Thornton, Colorado, was recently closed after all the parties involved were sentenced.
William J. Varney, 57 of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced to 235 months’ imprisonment with five years of supervised release to follow for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Varney pleaded guilty on Dec. 23, 2024. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on March 14 in Cheyenne.
Jolyn K. Furley, 50, of Thornton, Colorado, was sentenced to 168 months’ imprisonment with five years of supervised release to follow for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Furley pleaded guilty on Dec. 23, 2024. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on March 28 in Cheyenne.
Julia Carlene Deshaw, 56, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment with five years of supervised release to follow for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, aiding and abetting. Deshaw pleaded guilty on Dec. 23, 2024. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on March 14 in Cheyenne.
Gerald Dehnert, 65, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced to 97 months’ imprisonment with five years of supervised release to follow for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, aiding and abetting. Dehnert pleaded guilty on Jan. 8, and U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on April 1 in Cheyenne.
According to court documents, in August and September of 2023, Special Agents of the Central Enforcement Team of the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation received information that Julia Deshaw and William Varney were suspected of distributing large amounts of methamphetamine within the Natrona County area. Through the investigation, they learned that Deshaw, Varney, and Dehnert took turns driving to Colorado up to two times a week, bringing back approximately one to five pounds of methamphetamine each time for redistribution. Through surveillance and other investigative tactics, agents determined their supplier was Jolyn Furley.
The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, the Wyoming Highway Patrol, and the Mills Police Department investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold prosecuted the case.
Case No. 24-CR-00064
Activity in the U.S. Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Firearm Offenses
Joshua Roye Dunn, 36, of Sheridan, Wyoming, was sentenced to 36 months of supervised probation for being in possession of an unregistered firearm. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Sheridan Police Department investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Hammer prosecuted the case. Dunn was indicted on July 18, 2024, pleaded guilty on Dec. 13, 2024, and Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on March 26 in Cheyenne.
Drug Trafficking and Illegal Reentry of a Previously Deported Alien
Cesar Antancio Torres-Cazares, 36, of La Piedad, Michoacan, Mexico, was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and time served for illegal reentry into the United States. He will be deported following his imprisonment. According to court documents, in November 2023, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) began investigating a cocaine drug trafficking organization in the Jackson, Wyoming, area. Agents conducted a controlled buy from Torres-Cazares, which led agents to his residence, where they found large quantities of cocaine and proof of distribution. After he was arrested, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was contacted because Torres-Cazares is not a U.S. citizen, had previously been removed from the U.S., and had not applied for permission to reenter. DCI and ICE investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth Griswold and Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the cases. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on March 26 in Cheyenne. Case Nos. 25-CR-00055 and 25-CR-00056.About the United States Attorney’s Office
The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include:
Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious.
Operation Take Back America
Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. It also streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Victim Witness Program
The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to ensuring victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect.To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime
Activity in the U.S. Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Public Land Violations
Douglas Wolfley, 49 of Fairview, Wyoming, was sentenced to a 10-day term of incarceration with credit for 2 days served after pleading guilty to driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol in Yellowstone National Park, his third DUI conviction in 10 years. He also pled guilty to possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle. In addition to the term of incarceration, Wolfley was placed on 3 years of unsupervised probation, terms of which include a ban from Yellowstone National Park during that period and was ordered to pay $3,050 in fines and court costs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Calmes prosecuted the case. U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick imposed the sentence on March 18, 2025.
Angela Flaherty, 44, of Seattle, Washington was sentenced to a 7-day term of incarceration after pleading guilty to violating 36 CFR 7.13(j), which requires all foot travel in thermal areas of Yellowstone National Park be confined to marked trails or boardwalks. Ms. Flaherty left the boardwalk and viewing area surrounding Old Faithful geyser and walked approximately 10 feet onto the cone of Old Faithful. Some of her conduct was captured on video by another park visitor. In addition to the term of incarceration, Ms. Flaherty was ordered to pay $40 in mandatory court costs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Calmes prosecuted the case. U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick imposed the sentence on March 19, 2025.
Yiyang Shen, 25 of Doraville, Georgia was sentenced to a 7-day term of incarceration and five years of unsupervised probation, the terms of which include a ban from Yellowstone National Park, after he drove off the designated roadway and parked his vehicle in a thermal area in Yellowstone. Mr. Shen was charged with operating a motor vehicle in a prohibited area in a manner that caused damage to park resources and foot travel in a thermal area not confined to any designated and marked trail or boardwalk. In addition to the terms of incarceration and probation, Mr. Shen was ordered to pay $1,050 in fines and court costs. U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick imposed the sentence on March 12, 2025.
Firearm Offenses
Jeffrey Cletus Geist, 58, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment, with three years of supervised release to follow for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on March 12, 2024, the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office stopped Geist on his motorcycle for a traffic violation. A canine was deployed on the exterior of the motorcycle and immediately alerted to the presence of narcotics. Deputies located three bags of methamphetamine and a 9mm handgun. Geist is a previously convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm. He was indicted on Sept.18, 2024 and pleaded guilty on Dec. 18, 2024. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on March 11 in Casper. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christyne Martens prosecuted the case. Case No. 24-CR-00157
Illegal Re-Entry of a Previously Deported Alien
Antonio Pacheco-Bautista, 37, of Michoacan, Mexico, was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment. Upon release, the defendant shall be delivered to a duly authorized immigration official for deportation in accordance with the established procedures provided by the Immigration and Naturalization Service Act. According to court documents, on Nov. 18, 2024, Pacheco-Bautista, was arrested by the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office for driving while under the influence and an open container. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) determined Pacheco-Bautista is not a United States citizen, had previously been removed from the U.S. and had not applied for permission to reenter the U.S. Pacheco-Bautista had a history of illegally re-entering the U.S. since 2009. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on March 21 in Cheyenne. Case No. 25-CR-00025Omar Pacheco-Alonso, 34, of Mexico, was sentenced to time served plus 10 days to allow for deportation proceedings, with no term of supervised release. According to court documents, on Jan. 19, 2025, Pacheco-Alonso was arrested by the Gillette Police Department for driving while under the influence of alcohol. ICE determined Pacheco-Alonso is not a United States citizen, had previously been removed from the U.S. and had not applied for permission to reenter the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Pacheco-Alonso has a previous conviction for illegally re-entering the U.S. ICE investigated the crime. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on March 21 in Cheyenne. Case No. 25-CR-00024
About the United States Attorney’s Office
The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include:
Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious.
Operation Take Back America
Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Victim Witness Program
The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to ensuring victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect.To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime
Fort Washakie Man Sentenced to 29 Years of Imprisonment for Second-Degree MurderRead the Press Release
Conrad Troy Tillman, 38, of Fort Washakie, Wyoming, was sentenced to 348 months and 23 days in federal prison with five years of supervised release for second-degree murder. U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on March 21, 2025, in Casper. The federal sentence considered the fact Tillman had been serving a related tribal sentence for nearly a year. The court also ordered Tillman to pay $6,998.10 in restitution and a $100 special assessment.
On April 14, 2024, the Wind River Police Department was dispatched to a vehicle located on Highway 287 within the Wind River Indian Reservation. The 911 call indicated that a man had shot his wife. According to court documents and witness testimony, Tillman, his wife, and their adolescent daughter were traveling on Highway 287 when an argument ensued between the couple. It culminated in Tillman firing a semi-automatic pistol, striking his wife in the head, and killing her. Tillman flagged down a passing motorist to call 911. EMS and law enforcement officers arrived on the scene and pronounced the victim deceased.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs Wind River Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Case No. 24-CR-00086
Federal jury convicts Arapahoe man of abusive sexual contactRead the Press Release
Kendall Joseph Moss III, 35, of Arapahoe Wyoming, was convicted by a federal jury on March 20, of abusive sexual contact with a minor. The trial lasted four days and was held before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl in Casper.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, an investigation began in connection with a minor witness’s disclosure to a student advocate and school resource officer at her elementary school of sexual abuse by the defendant in 2021. Dr. Gail S. Goodman, PH.D., a Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Davis testified at trial on the dynamics of child sexual abuse, including that victims often delay disclosing the sexual abuse or make piecemeal disclosures of the abuse over time. The victim was interviewed twice over two years and provided more details of the sexual abuse in her second interview. The defendant made statements to law enforcement indicating the victim was not lying in her allegations against him. The jury’s verdict found the defendant guilty of touching the minor victim in her genital area over her clothing with the intent of sexual gratification.
Sentencing has been set for June 10, 2025. Moss faces a term of any number of years up to life in prison with no less than five years and no more than life of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs Wind River Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kerry J. Jacobson prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Case No. 24-CR-00165
Activity in the U.S. Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Financial Crimes
Ashley M. Patton-Spencer, 37, of University Park, Illinois, was sentenced to 20 months’ imprisonment with 2 years of supervised release for aiding and abetting the passing and uttering of a counterfeit U.S. obligation. According to court records, the defendant was responsible for aiding and abetting a scheme to pass a counterfeit U.S. Treasury check at a local Cheyenne bank in April 2024. Specifically, the defendant assisted in the crime by recruiting co-defendant Pamela Kubesh (see below) for the purpose of passing the counterfeit check, arranging for Kubesh’s travel to meet up with other co-conspirators, and coordinating with others in an effort to commit the crime. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and the Cheyenne Police Department investigated the crime. Patton-Spencer pleaded guilty on Dec. 11, 2024, and U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on March 3 in Cheyenne. Case No. 24-CR-00152
Pamela Kubesh, 56, of Lake Tomahawk, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment with 3 years of supervised release for passing and uttering a counterfeit U.S. obligation. According to court records, on April 8, 2024, the defendant used a false name and false identification to open a bank account in Cheyenne and deposit a counterfeit U.S. Treasury check. Investigators subsequently identified several individuals who aided and abetted the defendant, to include Ashley Patton-Spencer (see above) and Dwayne Rogers, Jr. (see below). The defendant was arrested and subsequently plead guilty on Dec. 12, 2024. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and the Cheyenne Police Department investigated the crime. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on March 4 in Cheyenne. Case No. 24-CR-00152
Dwayne Rogers, Jr., 22, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment with 3 years of supervised release for aiding and abetting the passing and uttering of a counterfeit U.S. obligation. According to court records, on April 8, 2024, defendant aided and abetted co-conspirator Pamela Kubesh (see above) in the passing and uttering of a counterfeit U.S. Treasury check at a Cheyenne bank by providing a false name and false identification in bank account opening documents and by driving co-conspirators to and from the bank. The defendant was arrested and subsequently plead guilty on Dec. 5, 2024. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and the Cheyenne Police Department investigated the crime. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on February 25 in Cheyenne. Case No. 24-CR-00152
Illegal Reentry of a Previously Deported Alien
Luis Angel Giron-Zavala, 32, of Guanajuato, Mexico, was sentenced to six months of imprisonment to be followed by one year of unsupervised release with the condition that he not illegally return to the United States. Giron-Zavala will be returned to the State of Texas to finish serving a separate sentence, and then he will be deported from the United States. According to court documents, on March 24, 2024, Giron-Zavala was arrested by the Wyoming Highway Patrol in Sheridan County on a state warrant from Texas. Deputies from the Sheridan County Jail notified Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that Giron-Zavala claimed to be a citizen of Mexico. Agents with ICE determined that he had not applied for permission to reenter after being formally removed in April 2018. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on March 7 in Cheyenne. Case No. 24-CR-00177
About the U.S. Attorney's Office
The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include the following:
Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well known and serious.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a nationwide commitment to reducing gun and gang crime in America by networking existing local programs that target gun crime and providing these programs with the additional tools necessary to be successful.
Victim Witness Program
The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to ensuring that victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect.To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime
Crowheart man sentenced to 25 years in prison for sexual abuse of a minorRead the Press Release
Quinlin James Hernandez, 32, of Crowheart, Wyoming, was sentenced to 300 months’ imprisonment with five years of supervised release for sexual abuse. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on March 5 in Casper.
According to court documents, on April 13, 2024, a 14-year-old minor victim who had been reported missing was located at the residence of Hernandez. She was able to send a text to her grandmother to come pick her up at that location. During her forensic interview, she stated that Hernandez and several minors picked her up April 10, 2023, without the knowledge of her guardians. Hernandez drove to a liquor store, where he bought alcohol and then drove the minors to his residence in Crowheart. At the residence, all the minors and the defendant drank the alcohol. Hernandez began flirting with and making sexual advances toward the minor victim. The minor victim was at Hernandez’s residence for approximately two and a half days, during which Hernandez forced himself on the minor victim, sexually abusing her twice. The victim underwent a Sexual Assault Nurse Examination and Hernandez’s seminal fluid and DNA were confirmed to be on the victim’s clothing. He was indicted on May 16, 2024.
When interviewed, Hernandez denied sexually abusing the minor victim. However, when he entered his plea of guilty on December 13, 2024, he admitted that he had sex with the minor victim when she was too drunk to either consent or decline to have sex with him.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs Wind River Police Department and the FBI investigated this crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kerry Jacobson prosecuted the case.
This case was brought about by Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet and to identify and rescue victims.
Case No. 24-CR-00087
Activity in the U.S. Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Drug Trafficking
Jason Trimmer, 47, of Lander, Wyoming, was sentenced to a total of 180 months’ imprisonment to be followed by five years of supervised release for possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. According to court documents, in late 2024, agents with the Rocky Mountain Safe Trails Task Force were investigating the trafficking of controlled substances in and around the Wind River Reservation. The task force had information that Trimmer was distributing controlled substances in the area. On April 3, 2024, during a routine traffic stop of Trimmer’s vehicle, officers discovered a variety of controlled substances including more than 100 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, and cash. Officers also located a handgun in the driver’s side door pocket. Subsequently, law enforcement obtained a warrant and searched Trimmer’s residence where they located additional fentanyl, more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, other controlled substances, firearms, a large quantity of cash, as well as scales and packaging material for redistribution. Trimmer was indicted on July 18, 2024, and pleaded guilty on Dec. 2, 2024. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Feb. 27 in Cheyenne. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist prosecuted the case. Case No. 24-00118.
Elysia Annay Grams, 22, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment with five years of supervised release to follow for conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. According to court documents, from March 2024 through May 29, 2024, Grams, along with others in Wyoming and Colorado conspired to obtain methamphetamine in Colorado and distribute it in Wyoming. In May, Grams was arrested near Douglas, Wyoming, where she was found in possession of more than 500 grams of methamphetamine and a large sum of currency. She was indicted on July 18, 2024, and pleaded guilty on Dec. 2, 2024. U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Feb. 20 in Cheyenne. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. Case No. 24-00103.
Firearms Offense
Rudy Armando Cuellar, 37, of West Valley, Utah, was sentenced to 36 months for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on June 2, 2023, a trooper with the Wyoming Highway Patrol, stopped Cuellar for driving 93 mph in a 75-mph zone. Cuellar was arrested on an outstanding Laramie County warrant. During an inventory search of the vehicle, officers located a duffle bag containing a firearm, several grams of cocaine, and identifying documents associated with Cuellar. The firearm was later determined to be stolen. In addition, pursuant to a search warrant, officers located another firearm in a bag behind the driver’s seat. Cuellar was a convicted felon at the time of the stop. He was indicted on Nov. 15, 2023, and pleaded guilty on Nov. 26, 2024. U.S. Chief District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on February 19 in Casper, Wyoming. Wyoming Highway Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie R. Morrison prosecuted the case. Case No. 23-00156.
Assault
Dylan Cameron Houtstra, 32, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was sentenced to 9 months’ imprisonment with one year of supervised release for assault by striking, beating, or wounding. According to court documents, on June 4, 2021, a security officer for a concessionaire in Grand Teton National Park and U.S. Park Rangers were dispatched to a disturbance in employee housing near Grand Teton Lodge Company. The victim stated that Houtstra was drunk and had grabbed her by the neck and attempted to choke her while she screamed for him to get off. She was able to hold him back and eventually escaped. Multiple witnesses corroborated her story. Houtstra was indicted on July 20, 2022; he pleaded guilty on Dec. 4, 2024; and Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Feb. 25 in Casper. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kerry J. Jacobson prosecuted the case. Case No. 22-00088
Jose Gabriel Ingellis-Benitez, 36, of Port Saint Lucie, Florida, was sentenced to 20 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release for assault by strangulation. According to court documents, on Aug. 5, 2024, a human resources manager for a Grand Teton National Park concessionaire contacted U.S. Park Rangers regarding an assault by strangulation that occurred in employee housing near Signal Mountain Lodge. The victim stated she had an argument with the defendant the night before and, during the argument, he strangled her. She recorded the strangulation using her cell phone and submitted it to the Rangers. Ingellis-Benitez was indicted on Sept. 18, 2024, he pleaded guilty on Dec. 4, 2024, and Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Feb. 25 in Casper. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kerry J. Jacobson prosecuted the case. Case No. 22-00149
Illegal Reentry of a Previously Deported Alien
Luis Lopez-Romero, 38, of Guanajuato, Mexico, was sentenced to time served and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents, on Oct. 2, 2022, Lopez-Romero was arrested by the Jackson Police Department for three charges of duty upon colliding with an unattended vehicle. In February 2025, agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) determined that Lopez-Romero had previously been removed from the U.S. and had not applied for permission to reenter after being formally removed in August 2013. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Feb. 21 in Cheyenne. Case No. 24-CR-00143.About the United States Attorney’s Office
The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include:
Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a nationwide commitment to reducing gun and gang crime in America by networking existing local programs that target gun crime and providing these programs with additional tools necessary to be successful.
Victim Witness Assistance
The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to making sure that victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect.To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime
U.S. Attorney’s Office collects nearly $2 million in civil and criminal actions in fiscal year 2024Read the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office collected $1,996,578.60 in criminal and civil actions in fiscal year 2024. Of this amount, $1,740,383.23 was collected in criminal actions and $256,195.37 was collected in civil actions.
All U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting on civil and criminal debts owed to the United States, and for restitution owed to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid out to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
In the District of Wyoming, collection efforts are conducted through the U.S. Attorney’s Office Financial Litigation Program (FLP). The program is under the direct supervision of the Civil Chief for the U.S. Attorney’s Office; however, the Civil and Criminal Divisions work together to pursue effective recovery for crime victims.
Civil Chief, Levi Martin, stated, “This office is committed to aggressive collection efforts for fraud committed against the United States and for restitution owed to the victims of criminal cases. The FLP is rather efficient in locating debtors and their assets in order to satisfy the judgment amounts they owe as a result of their unlawful actions.”
One case example of a large recovery from 2024 is Defendant William Dean Decker (Case No. 1:24-cr-00028-SWS). Decker was convicted of one count of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Decker was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment, $139,701.55 in restitution, and a $5,000 assessment under the Justice for Victims Trafficking Act. As a result of the diligent efforts of the FLP and Criminal Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office recovered the entire $144,901.55 owed under the judgment within fourteen days of its imposition.
Riverton man sentenced to two life sentences plus an additional 10 years in prison for first-degree murder and related charges on the Wind River Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
Burdick Nelson Seminole Sr., 59, of Riverton, Wyoming, was sentenced to life in prison for first-degree murder and causing death with a firearm during a crime of violence, each count to run concurrently; plus, an additional 10 years imprisonment for discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Feb. 27 in Casper. The court also ordered Seminole to pay $4,521.09 in restitution and a $300 special assessment.
Seminole was convicted of first-degree murder after a four-day trial on Nov. 15, 2024. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, in the early morning of Aug. 8, 2023, Seminole drove to the victim’s residence, entered the residence without permission, and confronted the victim. An argument ensued and Seminole left the residence to retrieve a pistol and reentered the residence, where he continued to argue with the victim, who was sitting in his wheelchair. Seminole pistol-whipped the victim and shot him three times. In response, another resident shot at Seminole, hitting him in the back of the neck, causing him to flee. Seminole drove himself to the hospital and was diagnosed with a minor flesh wound. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by EMS.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs Wind River Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy, strengthening PSN on the basis of these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Case No. 24-CR-00017
Ethete man sentenced to 40 years' imprisonment for second-degree murderRead the Press Release
Kevin Joseph Mendibles, 37, of Ethete, Wyoming, was sentenced to 480 months in federal prison with five years of supervised release to follow for second-degree murder. U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Feb. 19, in Casper. The court also ordered the defendant to pay $8,983.19 in restitution and a $100 special assessment.
According to court documents, on Feb. 25, 2024, the BIA Wind River Police Department was dispatched to a residence in Ethete for a woman who had been beaten badly and was barely breathing. Upon arrival, officers found the victim in a room with multiple stab wounds, blunt force injuries, and lacerations. When EMTs arrived, she had no pulse and was declared deceased. The defendant was interviewed and initially denied involvement but stated the victim had given him a place to live. In a follow-up interview, Mendibles admitted he killed the victim by beating and stabbing her. Mendibles was indicted on May 16, 2024, and pleaded guilty on Nov. 26, 2024.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs Wind River Police Department and the FBI investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Case No. 24-CR-00076
Activity in the U.S. Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Firearm Offenses
Michael Lee Smith, 49, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison with three years of supervised release to follow for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on April 9, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant on a property outside Cheyenne where the defendant lived. During the execution of the search warrant, LCSO found 10 firearms and multiple high capacity magazines. Smith is a previously convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms. Smith was indicted on Sept. 18. 2024, and pleaded guilty on Nov. 20, 2024. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Feb. 12, in Cheyenne. The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives and Laramie County Sheriff’s Office investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Hammer prosecuted the case. Case No. 24-00146
Illegal Re-Entry of a Previously Deported Alien
Roberto Palacios-Grimaldo, 39, of Hidalgo, Guanajuato, Mexico, was sentenced to time served and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents on Nov. 22, 2024, the defendant was arrested by the Sheridan Police Department for driving under the influence of alcohol. He informed officers that he was from Mexico. Agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were contacted and determined that Palacios-Grimaldo had previously been removed from the U.S. and had not applied for permission to reenter after being formally removed in September 2016. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Feb. 12, in Cheyenne. Case No. 24-CR-00144
About the United States Attorney’s Office
The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include:
Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a nationwide commitment to reducing gun and gang crime in America by networking existing local programs that target gun crime and providing these programs with additional tools necessary to be successful.
Victim Witness Assistance
The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to making sure that victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect.To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime
Activity in the U.S. Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Public Lands Violations
Boston Heil, 25, of Jackson, Wyoming, was sentenced to 7 days of incarceration with credit for 2 days previously served. The Defendant was also sentenced to pay a total of $980.00 in fines and court costs and placed on 2 years of unsupervised probation. Mr. Heil pled guilty to speeding, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, and refusal of a motor vehicle operator to provide a breath test while in Grand Teton National Park. For refusing the official breath he also may not operate a motor vehicle for a period of 1 year on any federal lands pursuant to 18 USC 3118. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Calmes prosecuted the crime and U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick imposed the sentence on February 5, 2025 in Mammoth.
Drug Trafficking
Heather Kathline Harker, 33, of Torrington, Wyoming, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison with three years of supervised release to follow for the distribution of methamphetamine. According to court documents, in January and February of 2024, agents with the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) conducted multiple controlled purchases from the defendant resulting in a total of 132.72 grams of methamphetamine. Harker entered federal custody on Sept. 13, 2024, she was indicted on Sept. 18, 2024, and pleaded guilty on Nov. 21, 2024. U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Feb. 5, in Casper. DCI and the Wyoming Highway Patrol investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold prosecuted the case. Case No. 24-00135
Firearm Offenses
Reginald Troy Perry, 52, with no permanent residency, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison with three years of supervised release to follow for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on June 1, 2024, the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop of a U-Haul truck traveling on I-80 East that was reported stolen. Upon further inspection, deputies found a High-Point .45 handgun. Perry is a previously convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm. He was indicted on July 18, 2024, and pleaded guilty on Nov. 15, 2024. U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Feb. 4, in Cheyenne. Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Secret Service, and Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office investigated the crime. Case No. 24-CR-00157
Drug Trafficking and Firearm Offenses
Jesse Alexander Mostaert, 33, of Casper, Wyoming was sentenced to 47 months and 8 days in federal prison with three years of supervised release to follow for being a felon and unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm and ammunition. According to court documents, Mostaert has been the subject of several drug conspiracy cases in the Natrona County area and within the State of Wyoming. On Feb. 8, 2024, the Casper Police Department (CPD) encountered Mostaert. During the arrest, Mostaert tried to elude police officers while attempting to reach for a 9mm handgun in his waistband. He had methamphetamine, fentanyl, and steroids in his possession as well. He is a previously convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm. Mostaert was indicted on May 16, 2024, and pleaded guilty on Nov. 13, 2024. U.S. District Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Feb. 3, in Cheyenne. DCI and CPD investigated the crime. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Sprecher prosecuted the case. Case No. 24-00065
Illegal Re-Entry of a Previously Deported Alien
Edgar Cruz-Miguel, 29, of Quezaltepeque, Chiquimula, Guatemala, was sentenced to time served and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents, on June 11, 2024, the defendant was arrested by the Teton County Sheriff’s Office and booked into the Teton County Detention Center for driving under the influence of alcohol, no driver’s license, open container, and not maintaining a single lane of traffic. The defendant claimed to be a citizen of Guatemala and agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were contacted. They determined that Cruz-Miguel had previously been removed from the U.S. and had not applied for permission to reenter after being formally removed in February 2017. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Feb. 5, in Casper. Case No. 24-CR-00141Fernando Coeto-Arellano, 28, of Palmar de Bravo, Puebla, Mexico, was sentenced to time served and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents, on June 9, 2024, the defendant was arrested by the Teton County Sheriff’s Office and booked into the Teton County Detention Center for driving under the influence of alcohol. Agents with ICE were contacted and found his fingerprints and a passport that indicated he was from Mexico. They determined that Coeto-Arellano had previously been removed from the U.S. and had not applied for permission to reenter after being formally removed in September 2020. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Feb. 5, in Casper. Case No. 24-CR-00144
Luis Lopez-Romero, 38, of Guanajuato, Mexico, was sentenced to time served and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents, on Oct. 2, 2022, the defendant was arrested by the Jackson Police Department and booked into the Teton County Detention Center for three charges of failure of duty to report upon colliding with an unattended vehicle or property. Agents with ICE were contacted and determined that Lopez-Romero was a citizen of Mexico. They also determined that Lopez-Romero had previously been removed from the U.S. and had not applied for permission to reenter after being formally removed in August 2013. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Feb. 7, in Cheyenne. Case No. 24-CR-00143
Juan Torres-Flores, 40, of Mexico City, Mexico, was sentenced to time served and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents, on July 16, 2024, the defendant was arrested by the Jackson Police Department and booked into the Teton County Detention Center for driving under the influence of alcohol. The defendant claimed to be a citizen of Mexico and agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were contacted. They determined that Torres-Flores had previously been removed from the U.S. and had not applied for permission to reenter after being formally removed in June 2010. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. Chief District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Feb. 7, in Cheyenne. Case No. 24-CR-00142
Jesus Cervantes-Garcia, 31, of San Simeon, Tlaxcala, Mexico, was sentenced to time served and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents, on Aug. 2, 2024, the defendant was arrested by the Jackson Police Department and booked into the Teton County Detention Center for charges of contempt of court/probation violation on April 23, 2024. Agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were contacted. They determined that Cervantes-Garcia had previously been removed from the U.S. and had not applied for permission to reenter after being formally removed in October 2019. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Feb. 7, in Cheyenne. Case No. 24-CR-00140
About the United States Attorney’s Office
The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include:
Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a nationwide commitment to reducing gun and gang crime in America by networking existing local programs that target gun crime and providing these programs with additional tools necessary to be successful.
Victim Witness Assistance
The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to making sure that victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect.To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime
Activity in the U.S. Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Drug Trafficking
Bryan Sanchez, 40, of Fort Washakie, Wyoming, was sentenced to 44 months of imprisonment with three years of supervised release to follow for distribution of methamphetamine. According to court documents, in September of 2023, agents with the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) conducted a controlled purchase of approximately 3.5 grams of methamphetamine from Sanchez on the Wind River Reservation. Sanchez was indicted on May 16, 2024, and pleaded guilty on Sept. 16, 2024. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Jan. 31, in Casper. DCI and the FBI investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist prosecuted the case. Case No. 24-00080
Firearm Offenses
Patrick Michael Cowan, 62, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 37 months of imprisonment, with three years of supervised release to follow for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, the defendant came to the attention of law enforcement during a drug investigation. They had been monitoring his actions when officers realized the truck the defendant was driving was reported stolen. Officers conducted a traffic stop on Sept. 2, 2024, and seized a Ruger 9mm semi-automatic handgun and 5.23 grams of methamphetamine. Cowan is a previously convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm. He waived indictment and pled guilty to an Information on Nov. 12, 2024. U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Jan. 31, in Cheyenne. The Drug Enforcement Administration, DCI, and Cheyenne Police Department investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Hammer prosecuted the case. Case No. 24-CR-00157
Illegal Re-Entry of a Previously Deported Alien
Jorge Leon-Perez, 36, of Tlaxcala, Mexico, was sentenced to time served and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents, on June 10, 2023, the Teton County Sheriff’s Office arrested and booked the defendant into the Teton County Detention Center for failure to appear for a citation issued on April 29, 2023, for possessing a controlled substance. The defendant claimed to be a citizen of Mexico and agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were contacted. They determined that Leon-Perez had previously been removed from the U.S. and had not applied for permission to reenter after being formally removed in March 2009. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Jan. 28, in Casper. Case No. 24-CR-00128Eniwer Roblero-Roblero, 25, of Sibinal, San Marcos, Guatemala, was sentenced to time served and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents, on Aug. 2, 2024, an ICE duty officer was assigned to locate and arrest the defendant following an arrest for driving while under the influence on Feb. 5, 2024, in Teton County. Teton County deputies notified ICE at the time of the arrest. After ICE interviewed the defendant, they determined the defendant was a citizen of Guatemala and entered the country illegally in 2019. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Jan. 28, in Casper. Case No. 24-CR-00138
Eduardo Saldivar-Bernal, 40, of Mexico City, Mexico, was sentenced to time served and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents, on June 23, 2024, the defendant was arrested by the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department and booked into the Campbell County Detention Center for driving under the influence with a child passenger, interference with a peace officer, no valid driver’s license, and not stopping before emerging from an alley. The defendant claimed to be a citizen of Mexico and agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were contacted. They determined that Saldivar-Bernal had previously been removed from the U.S. and had not applied for permission to reenter after being formally removed in October 2002. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Jan. 30, in Casper. Case No. 24-CR-00107
About the United States Attorney’s Office
The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include:
Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a nationwide commitment to reducing gun and gang crime in America by networking existing local programs that target gun crime and providing these programs with additional tools necessary to be successful.
Victim Witness Assistance
The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to making sure that victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect.To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime
Activity in the U.S. Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Public Lands Violations
Matthew K. Burden, 44, of West Yellowstone Montana, was sentenced to seven days incarnation, $1,550 in fines and court costs, and two years of unsupervised probation, the terms of which include a ban from entering Yellowstone National Park during that time. Mr. Burden pled guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol and operating a motor vehicle without due care considering wildlife, traffic, weather, road conditions, lighting, and road character. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Calmes prosecuted the crime and U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick imposed the sentence on Jan. 23, 2025, in Mammoth.
Drug Trafficking
Gregorio Guerra, 33, of Melbeta, Nebraska, was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment with four years of supervised release to follow, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to court documents, on Feb. 9, 2024, Guerra was stopped near Cheyenne, where 470 grams of methamphetamine and related drug paraphernalia were found in his vehicle. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) worked with the Nebraska Western Intelligence Narcotics Group (WING) in the investigation and determined Guerra was a methamphetamine distributor in the Scottsbluff, Nebraska area. Guerra was indicted on May 16, 2024, pleaded guilty on Oct. 31, 2024, and U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Jan. 21, in Cheyenne. DCI, WING, Wyoming Highway Patrol, and the Cheyenne Police Department investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold prosecuted the case. Case No. 24-00063
Eddie Meliton Martinez, 55, of Fort Garland, Colorado, was sentenced to 87 months with four years of supervised release to follow, for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. According to court documents
the defendant was identified by the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation (DCI) as a source of supply for drugs being redistributed in Casper. From about Jan.1, 2023, to Sept. 13, 2023, Martinez, located in the Denver, Colorado area, was participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine with other individuals in Casper. Martinez was indicted on May 16, 2024, pleaded guilty on Nov. 1, 2024, and U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Jan. 21, in Cheyenne. DCI investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie R. Morrison prosecuted the case. Case No. 24-00069
Bobbi King aka Bobbi Arnold, 58, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 66 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release to follow, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to court documents, in May of 2024, agents with DCI were monitoring King’s house for potential drug trafficking. Through the investigation, they gathered enough probable cause for a search warrant. In addition to the drugs seized in her truck and residence, King admitted to distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl to several people in Cheyenne. King was indicted on Sept. 18, 2024, pleaded guilty on Nov. 8, 2024, and U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Jan. 24, in Cheyenne. DCI investigated the crime. Case No. 24-00063
About the United States Attorney’s Office
The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include:
Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a nationwide commitment to reducing gun and gang crime in America by networking existing local programs that target gun crime and providing these programs with additional tools necessary to be successful.
Victim Witness Assistance
The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to making sure that victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect.To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime
Casper man sentenced to 10 years for transportation of a minor for sexRead the Press Release
James Warren Martin, 38, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, with a lifetime of supervised release, for transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. This sentence is to run concurrently with his 37-to-45-year sentence imposed in Wyoming’s Seventh Judicial District state court for his victimization of the same minor. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Jan. 23, in Casper.
According to court documents, the defendant was brought to the attention of law enforcement in October of 2022 when the minor victim’s family member and guardian reported to the Casper Police Department that a male, identified as James Warren Martin, was grooming the girl. Detectives began investigating Martin. Then, on Nov. 16, 2022, Martin picked up the girl from school and fled the state with her. An Amber Alert was issued in Wyoming. Investigators determined that Martin and the minor victim may have been in Arizona. An Amber Alert was also issued in Arizona.
A deputy with the La Paz County (Ariz.) Sheriff’s Office located Martin and the minor victim in Arizona. Law enforcement arrested Martin and rescued the girl. Electronic evidence showed Martin intended to take the girl to Mexico. Evidence also proved Martin had sexual intercourse with the girl after taking her from Wyoming. Martin was interviewed and ultimately confessed to having sexual intercourse with the girl numerous times in Natrona County, Wyoming in the years before taking her to Arizona.
Martin was indicted on Jan. 11, 2023, and entered federal custody on July 15, 2024. He pleaded guilty on Oct. 29, 2024.
The Casper Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, and La Paz County Sheriff’s Office in Arizona investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold prosecuted the federal crime. The Natrona County District Attorney’s Office prosecuted the accompanying state crimes.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
Case No. 23-CR-00005
Activity in the U.S. Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Public Lands Violations
Yellowstone National Park
Alexander Villanueva, 37, of Las Vegas Nevada, pled guilty to reckless driving, failing to comply with a traffic control device, possessing an open container of alcohol in a vehicle, and refusing to submit to a test of his breath on January 14, 2025 in Mammoth, Wyoming. According to court documents, Villanueva was contacted by law enforcement officers after a park visitor reported him for an erratic driving pattern. After standard field sobriety testing indicated Mr. Villanueva was unsafe to operate a motor vehicle, he was arrested. After his arrest, Mr. Villanueva refused to submit to an official breath test. For refusing to submit to a breath test, Villanueva was sentenced to a seven-day term of incarceration with credit for two days previously served. He was also sentenced to pay a total of $1,020 in fines and court costs and placed on a two-year term of unsupervised probation, one of the terms prohibits him from entering Yellowstone National Park during the period of probation. Because he refused the official breath test, he may not operate a motor vehicle for one year on any federal land according to 18 U.S.C. 3118. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel C. Calmes prosecuted the case.
Drug Trafficking and Firearm Offenses
Phillip Brent Chiles, 61, of Riverton, Wyoming, was sentenced to three years’ probation with two months of home confinement for being a felon and unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on May 3, 2024, the Riverton Police Department found Chiles in possession of a .22 rifle. Chiles said he uses the rifle for hunting. He also admitted to using approximately 1 gram of methamphetamine a week and was trying to cut back. As a previously convicted felon, Chiles is unable to possess a firearm. Chiles was indicted on July 18, 2024, pleaded guilty on Oct. 9, 2024, and Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Jan. 16, in Casper. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and Riverton Police Department investigated the crime and Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist prosecuted the case. Case No. 24-CR-00121
Illegal Re-Entry of a Previously Deported Alien
Joel David Vazquez-Sanchez, 33, of Curaren, Francisco Morazan, Honduras, was sentenced to time served and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents, on July 3, 2024, Vazquez-Sanchez was arrested by the Albany County Sheriff’s Office for driving while under the influence. The Albany County Wyoming Detention Center provided a booking sheet that indicated Vazquez-Sanchez was born in Honduras. Agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were contacted and determined that Vazquez-Sanchez had previously been removed from the U.S. and had not applied for permission to reenter after being formally removed in September 2016. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Jan. 16, Casper. Case No. 24-CR-00176Phoenix, Arizona man sentenced to more than eight years for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine using the U.S. Postal ServiceRead the Press Release
Lorenzo Antonio Santillan-Solis, 28, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced to 100 months in prison with three years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Jan. 9 in Cheyenne.
According to court documents, in November 2022, law enforcement became aware of narcotics from the Phoenix area being sold from an address in Powell, Wyoming. This address was associated with an individual later identified as Santillan-Solis’s known co-conspirator. On March 15, 2023, in Casper, the United States Postal Inspection Service intercepted a parcel sent to the Powell address. Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for the parcel where they located approximately 10,000 fentanyl pills (weighing over 1 kilogram) and over 1 pound of methamphetamine. On that same day, the known co-conspirator contacted the post office inquiring about the package. Through their investigation, agents tracked correspondence and fingerprints back to Santillan-Solis.
Santillan-Solis was indicted on May 16, 2024. He was arrested on May 20, in Phoenix, and made an initial appearance in Casper on June 28, before U.S. Magistrate Judge R. Michael Shickich. Santillan-Solis pleaded guilty on Oct. 18, 2024.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie Morrison prosecuted the case.
Case No. 24-CR-00068
Colorado man sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for attempting to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activityRead the Press Release
Gabriel Estrada, 30, of Denver, Colorado, was sentenced to 120 months, with five years of supervised release to follow, for attempting to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence in Cheyenne on Jan. 13.
A federal jury convicted Estrada on Oct. 25, 2024. According to trial evidence and court documents, Estrada used a chat website to meet up with a 13-year-old persona for sexual intercourse. An undercover agent posed as a 13-year-old female living in Laramie, Wyoming. Estrada messaged the 13-year-old persona asking if she would have sex with him. He went on to ask the 13-year-old persona if she had a friend who would like to join them in the sexual encounter and asked about her sexual experience. Estrada then drove the two hours from his home to Laramie after confirming the person he believed to be a 13-year-old girl would engage in sexual acts with him. Estrada arrived in Laramie and was arrested by police officers, who seized Estrada’s iPhone containing text messages to the 13-year-old persona. Estrada also had two condoms.
“The Internet can be a dangerous place for our children because of people like this defendant, a fully grown man who wanted to have sex with a 13-year-old girl and did everything he could to make that happen,” said United States Attorney Eric Heimann. “The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to support proactive law enforcement actions aimed at identifying and arresting individuals who are ready, willing, and eager to sexually abuse children.”
The Laramie Police Department and the FBI investigated the crime and Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
Case No. CR-24-00033
Casper man sentenced to 16 years for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamineRead the Press Release
Brian Neil Wiggins, 50, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced to 192 months in federal prison with three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm and for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Jan. 10, in Casper.
According to court documents, in March of 2024, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) received a tip that Wiggins was selling methamphetamine and regularly carrying guns despite being a previously convicted felon. DCI investigated Wiggins and discovered that he was on parole and had a scheduled meeting with his parole officer in Casper on March 22, 2024. The parole officer requested assistance from DCI to search Wiggins’ truck and property. Law enforcement searched his vehicle and located a Taurus 9mm handgun, 16 grams of fentanyl (approximately 160 pills), 167 grams of suspected methamphetamine, a digital scale, and multiple small baggies. Law enforcement also searched Wiggins’ apartment and found 33 milliliters of liquid methamphetamine, a Glock .40 caliber handgun with an obliterated serial number, a 9mm high-capacity magazine, and miscellaneous drug paraphernalia. Wiggins was indicted on May 16, 2024, and pleaded guilty on August 27, 2024.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Forearms and Explosives, and DCI investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Hammer prosecuted the case.
Case No. 24-CR-00070
Activity in the U.S. Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Drug Trafficking
Marcus Sather, 30, of Fort Washakie, Wyoming, was sentenced to 10 month’s imprisonment with three years of supervised release, for drug trafficking and aiding and abetting. According to court documents, in January of 2024, agents with the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) were conducting controlled purchases of illegal substances from known and suspected drug dealers on the Wind River Reservation. On Jan. 17, 2024, agents successfully purchased fentanyl from Sather and a co-defendant. Sather was indicted on July 17, 2024, pleaded guilty on Oct. 15, 2024, and U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Jan. 6, in Cheyenne. DCI and the FBI investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist prosecuted the case. Case No. 24-00120
Sarah Elizabeth Ward, 36, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 60 months with three years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. According to court documents, on March 9, 2024, the Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) conducted a traffic stop in Natrona County to execute a search warrant on Ward’s vehicle for suspected illegal drug activity. Law enforcement located approximately 430 fentanyl pills and 140 grams of methamphetamine along with a scale and small bags consistent with drug distribution. Ward was indicted on May 16, 2024, pleaded guilty on Oct. 17, 2024, and U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Jan. 8, in Cheyenne. DCI and the WHP investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie Morrison prosecuted the case. Case No. 24-00066
Marlon Forrest, 29, of Port Maria, Jamaica, was sentenced to 80 months in federal prison with three years of supervised release, for aiding and abetting the distribution of cocaine. According to court documents, in November of 2023, DCI Southwest Enforcement Team began an investigation into a cocaine drug trafficking organization that was operating in and around Jackson, Wyoming. Agents arranged for several controlled buys through Forrest over the course of a month, who sent another individual to deliver the cocaine on his behalf. Forrest ultimately admitted to redistributing ten or more kilograms of cocaine in Wyoming. Forrest was indicted on March 13, 2024, pleaded guilty on May 22, 2024, and U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Jan. 9, in Cheyenne. DCI investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold prosecuted the case.
Illegal Re-Entry of a Previously Deported Alien
Juan Antonio Cortez-Chavez, 32, of Tepalcatepec, Michoacan, Mexico, was sentenced to time served and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents, on March 5, 2024, Cortez-Chavez was arrested by WHP in Converse County for driving while under the influence. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was notified when Cortez-Chavez admitted to being a citizen of Mexico. On March 21, 2024, ICE agents obtained fingerprints that matched an existing immigration record for Cortez-Chavez who was removed from the U.S. in 2014 and had not applied for permission to reenter. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Jan. 8, in Cheyenne. Case No. 24-CR-00073
About the United States Attorney’s Office
The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include:
Environmental Justice
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a nationwide commitment to reducing gun and gang crime in America by networking existing local programs that target gun crime and providing these programs with additional tools necessary to be successful.
Victim Witness Assistance
The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to making sure that victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect.To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime
Physician sentenced for prescription drug conspiracy resulting in deathRead the Press Release
Shakeel Kahn, age 57, was sentenced to 25 years in prison with five years of supervised release to follow for crimes involving drug distribution, firearms possession, and money laundering. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Jan. 3, in Cheyenne.
A federal jury convicted Khan on Dec. 15, 2024, following a six-week trial before U.S. District Court Alan B. Johnson in Casper. According to court records and trial evidence, between 2011 and 2016, Kahn was a licensed medical doctor who operated clinics in Casper, Wyoming, and Fort Mohave, Arizona. Kahn unlawfully distributed drugs by writing prescriptions for large quantities of opioids without any legitimate medical need in exchange for cash payments from his customers. Kahn possessed firearms in furtherance of his unlawful drug distribution, and at least one person died after overdosing on drugs distributed by Kahn.
The United States Supreme Court overturned the original convictions, which Khan was found guilty of in 2019, due to a faulty jury instruction.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the crime. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie I. Sprecher and Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Griswold prosecuted the case.
This case was brought about by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a federal drug enforcement program in the United States, overseen by the Attorney General and the Department of Justice. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the major drug trafficking operations, tackle related crimes, such as money laundering, tax and weapon violations, and violent crime, and prosecute those primarily responsible for the nation's drug supply.
Case No. 17-CR-00029
Activity in the U.S. Attorney's Office Recent SentencingsRead the Press Release
Firearm Offenses
Anthony William Glandt, 45, of Casper, WY, was sentenced to 8 months with 2 years of supervised release to follow, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on November 17, 2023 Glandt was in possession of three firearms after law enforcement was called to the defendant’s residence for a possible domestic disturbance. Glandt is a previously convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm. Glandt was indicted on July 18. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B Johnson. imposed the sentence on December 20 in Casper. The Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives and the Casper Police Department investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Hammer prosecuted the case. Case No. 20-CR-00112.
Illegal Re-Entry of a Previously Deported Alien
Hector Valencia-Cuevas, 33, of Mexico, was sentenced to time served plus up to 10 days for deportation proceedings with one year unsupervised release to follow and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents, on Oct 04, Valencia-Cuevas was arrested in Rock Springs, WY for Delivery or Possess with intent to Deliver Narcotics. The defendant claimed to be a citizen of Mexico and agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were contacted. They determined that Valencia-Cuevas had previously been removed from the U.S. on three occasions and had not applied for permission to reenter. Valencia-Cuevas was last removed on 06/24/2018. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Kelly Rankin imposed the sentence on Jan 3, in Cheyenne. Case No. 24-CR-00178.
About the United States Attorney’s Office
The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include:
Environmental Justice
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a nationwide commitment to reducing gun and gang crime in America by networking existing local programs that target gun crime and providing these programs with additional tools necessary to be successful.
Victim Witness Assistance
The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to making sure that victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect.To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime
Activity in the U.S. Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Drug Trafficking
Shane Michael Moser, 29, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 140 months’ imprisonment with four years’ supervised release to follow, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to court documents, on May 17, the Casper Police Department responded to an unconscious male behind the steering wheel of a running vehicle. Upon approaching the car, officers saw a scale with white residue next to Moser. They searched the vehicle and located 223 grams of methamphetamine in the center console. After interviewing the defendant, he admitted to distributing approximately nine pounds of methamphetamine over two months. Moser was indicted on July 18, pleaded guilty on Sept. 30, and U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Dec. 20, in Cheyenne. Wyoming. Division of Criminal Investigation Central Enforcement Team and the Casper Police Department investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Forwood prosecuted the case. Case No. 24-00117
Firearm Offenses
Justin Keith Noland, 38, of Riverton, Wyoming was sentenced to 28 months’ imprisonment, with three years’ supervised release to follow, for being a felon in possession of firearms. According to court documents, on June 25, the Division of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO), executed a State of Wyoming search warrant for Noland’s residence based on probable cause of drug trafficking. The search warrant also authorized law enforcement to search for and seize firearms. In addition, Noland had extraditable arrest warrants out of Natrona and Converse counties.
Law enforcement located a total of three pistols, two of them loaded, and additional ammunition in a backpack. Noland is a previously convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm. Noland was indicted on July 18, pleaded guilty on Sept. 25 and Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Dec. 18, in Casper. DCI and the FCSO investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist prosecuted the case. Case No. 24-CR-00123
Illegal Re-Entry of a Previously Deported Alien
Inocente Rios-Lopez aka Villaverde-Sotelo, 48, of Sinaloa Mexico, was sentenced to time served (62 days) and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents, on Oct. 5, Villaverde-Sotelo was arrested by the Rock Spring Police Department for driving while under the influence. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was notified when Sweetwater County Jail emailed Villaverde-Sotelo’s arrest information, including a Mexico Voter identification card named Inocente Rios-Lopez to the agency. On Oct. 7, ICE agents obtained fingerprints that matched an existing immigration record for Villaverde-Sotello who was removed from the U.S. in 2001 and had not applied for permission to reenter. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Dec. 17, in Cheyenne. Case No. 24-CR-00158About the United States Attorney’s Office
The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include:
Environmental Justice
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a nationwide commitment to reducing gun and gang crime in America by networking existing local programs that target gun crime and providing these programs with additional tools necessary to be successful.
Victim Witness Assistance
The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to making sure that victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect.To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime
Ethete woman sentenced for distribution of methamphetamineRead the Press Release
Beatrice Irene Willis, 52, of Ethete, Wyoming, was sentenced to 65 months’ imprisonment with three years’ supervised release for distribution of methamphetamine. U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Dec. 19 in Cheyenne.
According to court documents, in October of 2023, the Safe Trails Task Force, led by the FBI, received information that Willis was selling controlled substances from her residence in Ethete. On Jan. 19, agents conducted a controlled buy of two ounces of methamphetamine from Willis. During a follow-up interview, she admitted to regularly distributing controlled substances on the Wind River Indian Reservation.
The Safe Trails Task Force investigates drug trafficking on the Wind River Indian Reservation, and in surrounding communities, with an emphasis on identifying and stopping the distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl. In addition to the FBI, task force members include the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, the Riverton Police Department, the Lander Police Department, the Wyoming Highway Patrol, and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.
Willis was indicted on May 16 and pleaded guilty on June 25. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist prosecuted this case.
Case No. 24-CR-00077
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Public Lands Violations
Yellowstone National Park
Joshua P. Carney, 40, of Marble Falls, Texas, had his current probation revoked and reinstated for five years for violating his probation on multiple occasions, camping without a permit, and having an illegal fire. He was also sentenced to 90 days in jail for resisting arrest. According to court documents, Carney was cited on Sept. 22 for, food storage violation, and out-of-bounds camping. On Oct 8, he was sentenced to pay fines and placed on two years of unsupervised probation with standard terms, including a ban from Yellowstone National Park (YNP) during that time. On Nov. 25, the defendant was found in YNP, in violation of his probation terms. He was arrested and charged with camping without a permit, food storage violation, and illegal fire. He pleaded not guilty. On Dec. 8, the defendant was again located in YNP and arrested. He was additionally charged with camping without a permit, abandoning property, and resisting arrest. On Dec. 9, Carney pleaded guilty to violating his probation, camping without a permit, and having an illegal fire. He also pleaded guilty to resisting arrest for which he received 90 days in jail. He was also sentenced to five years of probation in his September 22 and November 25 cases, with concurrent sentences. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Calmes prosecuted the crime and U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick imposed the sentence on Dec. 9, in Mammoth.
Sandra Pappas, age 31, of Arvada, Colorado, was convicted of driving under the influence and sentenced to pay a fine of $750 and placed on one year of unsupervised probation, the terms of which include a ban on her entering Yellowstone National Park during that time. She was also convicted of refusing an official breath test and sentenced to a 7-day term of incarceration. Mandatory court costs were also ordered in the case.
Grand Teton National Park
Michael Brockman, 55, of Wilson, Wyoming, was convicted of driving under the influence and sentenced to pay a fine of $750 and placed on two years of unsupervised probation, the terms of which include a ban on him entering Grand Teton National Park during that time. He was also convicted of interfering with a law enforcement officer and sentenced to 3 days in jail; refusing an official breath test and sentenced to 7 days in jail; convicted of contempt of court for refusing to comply with a search warrant for his blood that was issued by a United States Magistrate Judge and sentenced to 10 days in jail; convicted of leaving the scene of an accident and ordered to pay a fine of $650. Mandatory court costs were also ordered in the case.
In both park cases, because the operator of a motor vehicle refused a breath test, under 18 U.S.C. 3118 the defendants are prohibited from operating a motor vehicle on all federal lands for a period of one year from the date of refusal.
Drug Trafficking
Whitney Wesaw, 25, of Fort Washakie, Wyoming, was sentenced to 142 days incarceration with three years’ supervised release to follow, for distribution of fentanyl and aiding and abetting drug distribution. According to court documents, in January of 2024, agents with the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) were conducting controlled purchases of illegal substances from known and suspected drug dealers on the Wind River Reservation. On Jan. 17 agents successfully purchased fentanyl from Wesaw. Wesaw was indicted on July 18. She was arrested on Aug. 23 and subsequently detained. She pleaded guilty on Oct. 2 and U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Dec. 12, in Cheyenne. DCI and the FBI investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist prosecuted the case. Case No. 24-00120
Greyson Redman, 23, of Ethete, Wyoming, was sentenced to time served with three years’ supervised release to follow, for distribution of fentanyl. According to court documents, in December 2023, agents with the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) were conducting controlled purchases of illegal substances from known and suspected drug dealers on the Wind River Reservation. On Dec. 19, 2023, agents successfully purchased fentanyl from Redman. Redman was indicted on July 18, brought into federal custody on July 30, pleaded guilty on Sept. 19, and Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Dec. 13, in Casper. DCI and the FBI investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist prosecuted the case. Case No. 24-00119
Firearm Offenses
Jarred Luther Pacheco, 39, with no permanent residency, was sentenced to 41 months, with three years’ supervised release to follow, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. He will serve his sentence consecutive to a Colorado sentence. According to court documents, on October 14, 2023, the Cheyenne Police Department (CPD) attempted to pull over the defendant because the car he was driving was reported stolen out of Colorado. The defendant fled at high rates of speed. CPD caught up with the vehicle and stopped Pacheco. During their contact with Pacheco. they found a 12-gauge shotgun between the driver’s door and the driver’s seat. Pacheco was previously convicted of a felony and is prohibited from possessing a firearm. Pacheco was indicted on July 18, pleaded guilty on Sept. 19 and U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Dec. 13, in Cheyenne. The Bureau of Alcohol, , Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the CPD investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Hammer prosecuted the case. Case No. 24-CR-00111
Illegal Re-Entry of a Previously Deported Alien
Victor Hugo Lira Tepca, 37, of Tlaxcala, Mexico, was sentenced to time served and will be deported for illegal reentry into the United States. According to court documents, on June 14, Lira Tepca was arrested by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office for driving while under the influence. The defendant claimed to be a citizen of Mexico and agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were contacted. They determined that Lira Tepca had previously been removed from the U.S. in March of 2010 and had not applied for permission to reenter the U. S. ICE investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Dec. 9, in Cheyenne. Case No. 24-CR-00105