Wade Schear, a 41-year-old resident of Gillette, Wyoming, has been found guilty by a federal jury for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The jury reached its decision on April 30, after nearly three days of trial before U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin.
Court documents and evidence revealed that an investigation was initiated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Central Enforcement Team. The investigation targeted the possession, transportation, and distribution of controlled substances in Natrona County, identifying Schear as a key suspect. On June 22, 2024, Schear was stopped by Platte County deputies near Chugwater. During the search of his vehicle, deputies discovered about two pounds of methamphetamine in a backpack, along with multiple cell phones, over $800 in cash, and Schear's belongings. The evidence presented in court indicated that he made several trips between Wyoming and Colorado to acquire methamphetamine for distribution within Wyoming.
Schear is due for sentencing on July 17. He faces a minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment, followed by at least five years to life of supervised release. Additionally, a $10 million fine and a $100 special assessment could be imposed.
The investigation was conducted by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Central Enforcement Team and the Platte County Sheriff’s Office, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mackenzie R. Morrison and Eric Heimann leading the prosecution.
The case is filed under Case No. 24-CR-00136.
