Nicholas Vassallo | U.S. Department of Justice
The U.S. Attorney's Office has recently reported several sentences in cases involving drug trafficking and illegal re-entry into the United States. These cases, prosecuted by the federal government in Wyoming, highlight ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities.
Marcus Sather, a 30-year-old from Fort Washakie, Wyoming, received a sentence of ten months imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release for drug trafficking and aiding and abetting. The case stems from an investigation by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and the FBI into illegal substance sales on the Wind River Reservation. On January 17, 2024, agents conducted a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Sather and a co-defendant. "Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist prosecuted the case," which concluded with sentencing by U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin on January 6.
Sarah Elizabeth Ward, aged 36 from Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to five years imprisonment with three years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. A traffic stop by the Wyoming Highway Patrol led to the discovery of approximately 430 fentanyl pills and 140 grams of methamphetamine in her vehicle in March 2024. "Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie Morrison prosecuted the case," which ended with Judge Rankin's sentence on January 8.
Marlon Forrest from Port Maria, Jamaica, was sentenced to six years and eight months in federal prison along with three years of supervised release for aiding and abetting cocaine distribution near Jackson, Wyoming. The DCI Southwest Enforcement Team initiated an investigation in November 2023 that involved tracking Forrest’s activities over several weeks. His sentencing occurred on January 9 after he pleaded guilty earlier last year.
In another case involving immigration law violations, Juan Antonio Cortez-Chavez from Tepalcatepec, Michoacan, Mexico was sentenced to time served for illegal reentry into the United States after being previously deported in 2014 without applying for permission to return. He will be deported following his arrest for driving under influence in Converse County earlier this year.
These cases were overseen by various Assistant U.S Attorneys including Cameron J. Cook who handled Cortez-Chavez's prosecution.
The United States Attorney’s Office continues its role representing federal interests across numerous legal fronts within Wyoming as part of broader community safety initiatives such as Project Safe Neighborhoods aimed at reducing gun crime nationwide through enhanced local program support.
