Cheyenne, WY – A trio of cases recently concluded in Wyoming federal court, highlighting the ongoing battle against illegal firearms and abuses of power. Federal prosecutors secured sentences for two convicted felons caught with guns, and a former Mills, Wyoming police officer who crossed the line, demonstrating a commitment – however belated – to holding those accountable.
Danny Lee Jimenez, 38, of Cheyenne, received 15 months behind bars after being convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Judge Alan B. Johnson handed down the sentence on May 18th, along with three years of supervised release. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore prosecuted it. Jimenez isn’t the only one: just days later, on May 22nd, Paul King, 64, also of Cheyenne, got 21 months in prison for the same offense. The ATF and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kerry J. Jacobson again built the case. These aren’t isolated incidents; they’re a symptom of a wider problem of firearms falling into the wrong hands in the state.
But it wasn’t just gun crimes. Argel Sierra, a 39-year-old ex-cop, learned a hard lesson on May 16th. Sierra, formerly with the Mills Police Department, was sentenced to five years of probation, a $750 fine, and ordered to pay $1,646.10 in restitution. Sierra abused his authority in 2019, making an unlawful arrest without probable cause and then escalating the situation with excessive force. It took years, but the FBI and Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation finally brought the case to light, with First Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Heimann leading the prosecution.
The Sierra case is particularly troubling. A badge doesn’t grant immunity, but it often feels that way. The fact that a former officer had to be *convicted* of violating someone’s civil rights speaks volumes about the potential for abuse within law enforcement and the difficulty in holding those in power accountable. The restitution order barely scratches the surface of the damage done to the victim.
Federal prosecutors are quick to tout these convictions as victories for public safety. While the sentences are a start, they don’t address the root causes of crime in Wyoming. The ATF’s involvement in both firearm cases points to a consistent effort to track illegal weapons, but more resources are needed to stem the flow and prevent these offenses in the first place.
Lori Hogan, the U.S. Attorney’s Office Spokesperson, can be reached for further information at 307-772-2124 or via email at usawy.pio@usdoj.gov. You can also find updates on her Twitter account: @usaowy. But don’t expect a full picture – the feds rarely reveal the complete story. Grimy Times will continue to dig deeper, exposing the underbelly of crime in Wyoming and beyond.
Beyond these cases, the Wyoming U.S. Attorney’s Office also actively investigates drug trafficking, particularly methamphetamine and fentanyl, highlighting the multi-faceted criminal landscape in the state. The ATF remains a critical partner in these investigations, providing essential expertise in firearms-related offenses.
The USAO-WY, headquartered in Cheyenne at the J.C. O’Mahoney Courthouse, plays a central role in prosecuting federal crimes across Wyoming. Their work, alongside agencies like the FBI and ATF, is crucial for maintaining order and upholding the law, even if the outcomes often feel inadequate in the face of persistent criminal activity.
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