Activity in the U.S. Attorney’s Office

Stay informed about recent activity in the U.S. Attorney's Office, including prosecutions of firearm offenses and civil rights violations. Justice is being served.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Wyoming has recently seen significant activity in the prosecution of firearm offenses and civil rights violations. Danny Lee Jimenez and Paul King, both felons, were sentenced for being in possession of firearms. Jimenez received 15 months in prison with three years of supervised release, while King was sentenced to 21 months in prison with three years of supervised release. Another case involved Argel Sierra, a former police officer, who was sentenced for felony deprivation of civil rights. These cases highlight the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in upholding the law and ensuring justice is served.

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Sentencings Firearm Offenses

Danny Lee Jimenez

On May 18, 2023, Danny Lee Jimenez, a 38-year-old resident of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The sentencing was carried out by U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson. Jimenez was sentenced to 15 months in prison, with three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. The crime was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore.

Paul King

Another sentencing for a firearm offense took place on May 22, 2023. Paul King, a 64-year-old resident of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson for being a felon in possession of a firearm. King received a sentence of 21 months in imprisonment, along with three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. Similar to Jimenez’s case, the crime was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kerry J. Jacobson.

Civil Rights

Argel Sierra

Argel Sierra, a 39-year-old resident of San Antonio, Texas, was sentenced on May 16 for felony deprivation of civil rights. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl presided over the sentencing. Sierra was sentenced to five years of probation and was fined $750, in addition to a $100 special assessment. Judge Skavdahl also ordered Sierra to pay restitution amounting to $1,646.10. Sierra had served as a police officer with the Mills (Wyo.) Police Department in 2019, and court records revealed that he unlawfully arrested a man without probable cause and used excessive force during the arrest. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation, and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Heimann handled the prosecution.

Contact

Lori Hogan

For any inquiries or further information, please reach out to Lori Hogan, the United States Attorney Spokesman. She can be contacted at the office number: 307-772-2124, or via email at usawy.pio@usdoj.gov. Additionally, updates and relevant news can be found on her Twitter account: @usaowy.

Topics

Drug Trafficking

One of the topics that has been actively addressed in the U.S. Attorney’s Office is drug trafficking. The Wyoming District has witnessed numerous cases involving the illegal trade of drugs, specifically methamphetamine and fentanyl. The prosecution of individuals involved in drug trafficking is crucial in preserving public safety and combating the devastating impact of these substances on individuals and communities.

Firearms Offenses

Another area of focus for the U.S. Attorney’s Office is firearms offenses. The illegal possession of firearms by felons poses a significant risk to public safety. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives plays a crucial role in investigating these offenses and ensuring that individuals who violate federal firearm laws are held accountable through prosecution.

Components

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is a key component involved in the investigation of firearms offenses. They work closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to gather evidence, build strong cases, and ensure that individuals who violate federal firearm laws are brought to justice. Their expertise and dedication play a vital role in maintaining public safety and enforcing federal laws related to firearms.

USAO – Wyoming

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming (USAO-WY) is responsible for prosecuting cases within the jurisdiction of Wyoming. They work in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute criminal cases, including those related to drug trafficking and firearms offenses. The USAO-WY plays a critical role in upholding the rule of law and protecting the interests of the United States within the state of Wyoming.

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Press Release Number

The press release regarding these activities is numbered as 23-023. This enables easy reference and identification for media outlets and individuals who seek detailed information about the cases and the defendants involved.

District of Wyoming

The District of Wyoming encompasses the entire state of Wyoming and is responsible for addressing federal cases that arise within its jurisdiction. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with its partner agencies, works diligently to ensure that justice is served and the laws of the United States are upheld within the district.

Cheyenne Headquarters

The Cheyenne Headquarters serve as the central office for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Wyoming. Located in the J.C. O’Mahoney Courthouse, the headquarters act as a hub for all legal proceedings, investigations, and administrative tasks necessary for the effective functioning of the office.

J.C. O’Mahoney Courthouse

The J.C. O’Mahoney Courthouse in Cheyenne, Wyoming, is where the U.S. District Court operates. This court plays a vital role in the administration of justice and the resolution of federal cases. It is within this courtroom that U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson and Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl presided over the aforementioned sentencings and civil rights case, respectively.

In conclusion, these recent activities in the U.S. Attorney’s Office highlight the ongoing efforts to address drug trafficking and firearm offenses in the District of Wyoming. The successful prosecution of individuals involved in these criminal activities is a testament to the commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and their partner agencies. Upholding civil rights and ensuring public safety remain paramount to their mission of serving justice.

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