Federal courts in Wyoming have sentenced several individuals in recent cases involving drug trafficking and illegal re-entry into the United States.
Edgar Narvaez Vega, 23, from Quito, Ecuador, received a 27-month prison sentence followed by two years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin. According to court documents, on July 5, 2025, a Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper stopped Vega and his brother on I-80 for speeding. The officer detected marijuana odor and saw it in plain view, prompting a search that led to the discovery of large amounts of narcotics hidden in trash bags wrapped in plastic and oil. Troopers seized 74.17 pounds of methamphetamine across 63 packages as well as cocaine (2.6 lbs.), fentanyl pills (1.3 lbs.), heroin (1.5 lbs.), and smaller amounts of marijuana. The investigation involved the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case before U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson who imposed the sentence on February 9, 2026.
Leisa Michelle Reese, 47, who had no fixed address at the time of her arrest, was sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On June 11, 2025, law enforcement contacted Reese while she was parked at a hotel in Crook County after observing suspicious activity. She initially gave officers a false name but was later identified through hotel records and arrested on an outstanding South Dakota warrant; officers found methamphetamine paraphernalia during her arrest. Deputies also discovered a black bag containing significant quantities of methamphetamine—approximately 517 grams—alongside cash and items linking her to the drugs inside her vehicle. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case before U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl.
Dennis Bayless, 65, from Denver, Colorado was sentenced to seven years (84 months) in prison with five years’ supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine after being investigated as a suspected supplier in Goshen County starting October 2024 by state criminal investigators who seized over half a kilogram of methamphetamine from him at various locations.
In immigration-related cases:
Jose Vazquez, age 50 from Colima, Mexico received six months’ imprisonment followed by one year supervised release for illegal re-entry after deportation as well as fraud involving visas and social security numbers belonging to others; he will be deported following his sentence completion according to court records detailing an identity theft report from Georgia that led authorities to Kemmerer where they discovered Vazquez using fraudulent identification documents.
Joaquin Mejia-Andrade, age 48 from Mexico City was sentenced to eleven months’ imprisonment with three years’ supervised release for illegally re-entering the United States after prior removal; ICE determined he had not applied for permission since his formal removal in October 2016.
The United States Attorney’s Office represents federal interests in all litigation within Wyoming including criminal prosecutions under federal law as well as civil actions involving or brought by the government and efforts to collect judgments or restitution for victims or taxpayers.
Programs run by this office include Project Safe Childhood—a Department of Justice initiative targeting technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children—and Operation Take Back America which aims to combat illegal immigration and organized crime activities nationwide by coordinating resources across DOJ task forces such as OCDETFs and Project Safe Neighborhoods.
Victims of federal crimes are supported through a dedicated Victim Witness Coordinator focused on treating them with compassion and respect throughout legal proceedings.
Reports about potential federal crimes can be submitted via https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime
