Activity in the U.S. Attorney's Office

Child Pornography

Ricky Lee Smith, 55, of Laramie, Wyoming, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography. According to court documents, On Jun. 25, 2023, law enforcement received a CyberTip from a provider of cloud-based services regarding the user of a Verizon phone with a Wyoming number that traced back to Smith, who is a registered sex offender. Investigators served a search warrant at Smith's residence and found over 750 images of child pornography on Smith's phone. Smith was indicted in November 2023 and pleaded guilty in January 2024. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Apr. 24. This crime was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie R. Morrison.

Drug Trafficking

Michael E. Trujillo, II, 28, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 41 months' imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. According to court documents, on Sep. 26, 2023, the Cheyenne Police Department conducted a traffic stop on Trujillo's vehicle for speeding. During the traffic stop a certified narcotics canine alerted to the presence of drugs. Officers searched the vehicle and Trujillo's person and found approximately 33 grams of suspected fentanyl pills, seven grams of methamphetamine, and approximately three grams of cocaine. Trujillo was indicted in November 2023, and pleaded guilty in January 2024. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Apr. 24. This crime was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Forwood.

Firearms Offenses

Eric Lamario Mitchell, 41, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 60 months' imprisonment for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. According to court documents, on Jul. 13, 2023, the Cheyenne Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle where Mitchell was the front passenger. Officers located a .45 caliber 1911 handgun under his seat. Mitchell is a convicted felon and not allowed to possess firearms. Officers also executed a warrant for Mitchell's hotel room and found a .22 caliber handgun under his mattress. Michell was indicted in November 2023, and pleaded guilty on Feb. 6. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Apr. 26. This crime was investigated by the Cheyenne Police Department, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, and the DEA. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Hammer.

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#trafficking