Christopher Spraw, Methamphetamine Conspiracy, Utah 2024

In a major blow to Ogden's notorious crime syndicates, federal authorities have cracked down on a six-person gang suspected of orchestrating a massive methamphetamine and heroin trafficking operation.

According to court documents, Christopher J. Spraw, 49, of Ogden, led a crew of five associates in distributing over 195 pounds of methamphetamine and 1 pound of heroin in Weber and Davis counties. The indictment, unsealed on September 1, 2024, also charges Spraw's accomplices, including Manuel Ramblano Sanchez Jr., 24, Damian Buenrostro, 22, Sheila Mary Deroboam, 52, Heidi Lynn Openshaw, 40, and Vanessa Dominguez, 33, all of Ogden.

The PSN Target Enforcement Area, a 4.86-square-mile zone in Ogden City and Weber County, has seen a significant reduction in firearm and drug-related crimes since the task force's inception. In 2018, the area experienced a historic 19.7% reduction in Part 1 crimes.

U.S. authorities launched a joint investigation into Spraw's crew after receiving intelligence about their alleged involvement in large-scale narcotics trafficking. The FBI, Davis Metro Narcotics Strike Force, and Weber Morgan Strike Force collaborated to execute a search warrant in Kearns, uncovering the massive stash of methamphetamine and heroin.

The indictment charges Spraw and his associates with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, conspiracy to distribute heroin, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and possession of heroin with intent to distribute. If convicted, they face up to life in prison with a mandatory minimum 10 years for the conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine count.

Defendant: Christopher J. Spraw, City: Ogden, State: Utah, Crime Date: 2018, Sentence: Up to life in prison with a mandatory minimum 10 years.

This operation is a significant milestone in the PSN Task Force's efforts to disrupt and dismantle organized crime networks in Ogden. The task force will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in the targeted enforcement area.

**Related Story:** Dijuan Michele Lawley, a 45-year-old Ogden resident, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release for distribution of cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ut/pr/surge-law-enforcement-prosecution-resources-making-ogden-psn-target-area-safer-residents