Two men have been sentenced in federal court for their roles in a methamphetamine trafficking ring in Wyoming. James Edward Johnston, 57, of Casper, was sentenced to 156 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Johnston was arrested in Casper and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and restitution in the amount of $500.00. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Brandon Keith Kern, 30, of Crawford, Nebraska, was sentenced to 103 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Kern was arrested in Sidney, Nebraska, as part of an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) joint investigation conducted by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
These sentences are a result of a concerted effort by law enforcement agencies to crack down on methamphetamine trafficking in the region. The investigation and prosecution of these cases demonstrate the commitment of federal, state and local authorities to protecting the public and keeping our communities safe. As the OCDETF program continues to target and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations, we can expect to see more cases like these in the future.
Meanwhile, a third defendant, Jose Martinez-Barrios, 43, of Mexico, was sentenced to time served plus ten days for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Martinez-Barrios was arrested in Casper and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and is subject to deportation upon release from custody. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The sentences handed down in these cases are a testament to the dedication and hard work of law enforcement agencies in Wyoming. The successful prosecution of these cases will have a significant impact on the fight against methamphetamine trafficking in the region.
The OCDETF program is a critical tool in the fight against organized crime, and the success of this program is a direct result of the cooperation and coordination between federal, state and local agencies. As we continue to work together to dismantle major drug trafficking organizations, we can expect to see significant reductions in the availability of methamphetamine and other illicit substances in our communities.
The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, all played key roles in the investigation and prosecution of these cases.
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: Wyoming
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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