Criminal Division

The primary responsibility of the Criminal Division of the United States Attorney’s Office is the prosecution of federal crimes in the District. The Criminal Division handles a variety of federal prosecution work to pursue justice and remove dangerous criminals from Wyoming communities.  Due to the small size of the staff, Criminal Division Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) must each be prepared to handle a variety of matters. 

Since the District of Wyoming contains many land areas managed by the federal government, the Criminal Division also prosecutes over 1,000 misdemeanors each year to address violations in national parks, at national monuments, and other federal areas.  See the following link for more information on our misdemeanor program: Violations in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and in Other Federal Enclaves

Focus Areas and Initiatives

As a result of Congressional requirements, crime trends, and to improve efficiency and effectiveness, several programs and initiatives have been developed over the years to focus and enhance law enforcement efforts among federal, state, and local authorities. Brief descriptions of the major focus areas follow (in alphabetical order):

Crimes Against Children: Project Safe Childhood (PSC)

Victimization of children impacts not only the children themselves but also their families, communities, and society at large. Due to their legal, physical, and social vulnerabilities, children are sometimes subjected to physical or sexual abuse. Many of the people who prey on children are not first-time offenders, but rather serial offenders who target children. In general, the U.S. Attorney’s Office becomes involved when children are victimized in Indian Country, when the abuser crosses state lines, when the crime involves child pornography sent through the mail or via the internet, or when children are exploited to produce child pornography. These crimes can be some of the most disturbing and damaging, and the office is unswerving in its commitment to prosecute offenders and protect children and communities from further abuse.

Drug Trafficking and the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program

The U.S. Attorney’s Office plays an important role in reducing drug trafficking and related violence by identifying, disrupting, and dismantling regional drug trafficking organizations through aggressive prosecution. By coordinating with federal, state, and local agencies through the OCDETF Program, the office oversees complex narcotics investigations and prosecutes the leaders and organizers of multi-district drug networks. We are actively involved in public education efforts to raise awareness of the dangers of illegal drugs, particularly methamphetamine and fentanyl, which have taken an enormous toll on many people in Wyoming.

Fraud and White-Collar Crime

The U.S. Attorney’s Office understands that those that would perpetrate fraud will only be deterred by the strong likelihood of prosecution. We, therefore, work closely with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other federal, state, and local entities to investigate and prosecute a variety of fraud where there exists a federal nexus, including bankruptcy fraud, health care fraud, corporate fraud, and financial institution fraud. The office reviews potential cases, shares information, and pools resources to combat fraudulent activities. The office also strives to obtain restitution, or repayment, for those who have been defrauded.

Gun and Gang Violent Crime: The District of Wyoming’s Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) Program

The U.S. Attorney's Office’s Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) seeks to reduce gun violence in Wyoming by targeting violent criminal offenders who possess or use guns to commit crimes. The effectiveness of PSN is based on the ability of federal, state, and local agencies to cooperate in a unified offensive effort. The office works closely with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) on these cases. PSN prosecutions send a clear message that gun crimes will not be tolerated in the District of Wyoming.

Identity Theft

The U.S. Attorney’s office has taken an aggressive approach to prosecuting identity theft. With the advent of the internet and the access it provides to vast stores of identity information, federal law enforcement is often best situated to investigate and prosecute these complex crimes. The office works closely with its state and local counterparts to protect Wyoming citizens.

Immigration Crimes

The U.S. Attorney’s Office seeks removal from the United States of dangerous criminal aliens found within the District. Since some aliens, particularly those engaged in illegal trafficking activities, are violent and dangerous, posing a serious risk to public safety, the office places the highest priority on the prosecution of previously convicted aliens who have returned to Wyoming and committed new crimes.

Terrorism

Following the September 11, 2001, attacks, the Attorney General directed U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide to form Anti-Terrorism Advisory Councils (ATACs) comprised of representatives from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The District of Wyoming’s ATAC partners include the U.S. Attorney’s Office; the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE); the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS); the Secret Service; and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as well as state and local partners. The District of Wyoming ATAC coordinates anti-terrorism initiatives, initiates training programs, and facilitates information sharing.

Violent Crime in Indian Country

The Wind River Indian Reservation (WRIR) is the only reservation in the District of Wyoming, but it is the seventh largest in the nation with over 2.2 million acres. The Reservation is home to the Eastern Shoshone and the Northern Arapaho Tribes. Most serious offenses involving Native Americans which take place within the boundaries of the WRIR must be prosecuted in federal court under the Major Crimes Act, the Assimilative Crimes Act, or other federal statutes.  The office works hard to foster and maintain a respectful and harmonious relationship with the Tribes and tribal members. We strive to reduce violent crime on the WRIR by vigorously prosecuting offenders and by undertaking outreach and education activities. The office works closely with tribal prosecutors to coordinate the prosecution of offenses arising on the WRIR.