Activity in the U.S. Attorney's Office

Drug Trafficking

Miguel Angel Guerrero-Castaneda, age 27, of Mexico, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. The sentencing judge also recommended that the Bureau of Customs Enforcement begin removal proceedings so that the defendant is deported upon his release from prison. According to court documents, beginning in December 2022, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigators learned that several individuals were distributing large amounts of fentanyl in Laramie County, Wyoming. The investigation revealed that these individuals were acquiring fentanyl from sources in northern Colorado, including Guerrero-Castaneda. When Guerrero-Castaneda was arrested in Thornton, Colorado, on Jun. 6, 2023, he was found with approximately 9,000 fentanyl pills. The investigation also revealed that Guerrero-Castaneda was responsible for the distribution of approximately another 25,000 fentanyl pills in Wyoming from December 2022 through June 2023. Guerrero-Castaneda pled guilty to the charges on Dec. 18, 2023. This crime was investigated by the DEA and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Forwood.

Bobby James Hainsworth, age 41, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Senior U.S. District Court Nancy D. Freudenthal imposed the sentence on Mar. 5. According to court documents, on May 9, 2023, a Laramie County Sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Hainsworth was a passenger. The deputy located a Coca-Cola can containing fentanyl that belonged to the defendant. On Dec. 13, 2023, Hainsworth pled guilty to the charges. The crime was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Forwood.

Bradley Aaron Lieurance, age 24, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin. Chief U.S. District Court Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Mar. 5. According to court documents, in May 2021, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation conducted several controlled purchases as part of an investigation into a larger drug operation within Natrona, Laramie, Albany, Campbell and Fremont Counties. While undercover, agents were led directly to Lieurance by a supplier and were told he was the source. Agents conducted three different controlled purchases from Lieurance, including 95 grams of methamphetamine and smaller quantities of heroin and fentanyl. Lieurance pled guilty to the charges on Nov. 22, 2023. This crime was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.

Domestic Violence

Vincent Acosta, age 46, of Moran, Wyoming, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for sexual abuse. Senior U.S. District Court Nancy D. Freudenthal imposed the sentence on Mar. 4. According to court documents, Acosta and the victim were seasonal employees working for a business operating in Grand Teton National Park. Park Rangers were called to the employee housing for the business for a report of a sexual assault. Acosta pled guilty to sexually assaulting the victim on Nov. 16, 2023. The crime was investigated by the National Park Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore.

Illegal Re-entry of a Previously Deported Alien

Jose De La Cruz Guerra Torres, age 42, of Mexico City, Mexico, was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment for illegal re-entry into the United States of a previously deported alien. According to court documents, on Dec. 28, 2023, the defendant was convicted for manufacturing or delivery of controlled substances in Park County, Wyoming. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) verified that Guerra Torres had previously been deported and was in the United States illegally. This case was investigated by ICE and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Mar. 4.

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