Activity in the U. S. Attorney's Office

Child Pornography

Michael Gregory Schaefer, age 38 of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 135 months in prison for receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence, which included 10 years of supervised release following imprisonment and a $200 special assessment, on May 31, 2023. The case was investigated by the Cheyenne Police Department and U.S. Secret Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christyne M. Martens.

Drug Trafficking

Michael Anthony Smith, age 64, of Marianna, Arkansas, was sentenced on May 25, 2023, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced Smith to 70 months’ imprisonment with four years of supervised release and $100 special assessment. According to court records, on September 29, 2020, Michael Smith was observed speeding on I‑80. Before a Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper was able to conduct a traffic stop, Smith exited I-80 and parked at the Flying J truck stop in Cheyenne, Wyoming. A canine unit was deployed and alerted to the presence of a controlled substance coming from Smith’s vehicle. The vehicle was searched, and officers discovered over 14 kilograms of raw marijuana and over 1.6 kilograms of methamphetamine. Smith admitted he was a regular trafficker of controlled substances. The crime was investigated by the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Cheyenne Police Department.

Wendy Delana Kaufman, age 51, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced on May 26, 2023, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced Kaufman to 78 months’ imprisonment with four years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $500 in community restitution and a $100 special assessment. This crime was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan C. Coppom.

Firearms Offenses

Matthew Pruitt, age 20, of Cheyenne, Wyoming was sentenced on May 26, 2023, for being a felon in possession of a firearm to 27 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence. The crime was investigated by the Cheyenne Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Forwood prosecuted the case.