15-Month Investigation Nets 32 Arrests, 16,385 Fentanyl Pills (2024)

Laramie County SheriffBrian Kozak says a fentanyl distribution investigation that was launched following a tip from a very observant jailerhas led to 32 arrests and 16,385 fentanyl pills (3.61 pounds) being seized.

Kozak made the major announcement during a Tuesday news conference.

15-Month Investigation Nets 32 Arrests, 16,385 Fentanyl Pills (1)

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Kozaksays it all started on Dec. 17, 2022, when the jailer located a door that had been manipulated going from the laundry room to a secured area within the jail.

While investigating the door, a “shattered glass” block was located on the exterior wall of the jail.

Detention staff reviewed video footage and identified an inmate who had gained access to the secured area.

Further review of video footage identified a vehicle and an individual who was suspected of delivering drugs to the inmate through the opening in the glass block wall.

Discovery of Hole in Jail Wall Leads to Dangerous Drug Organization

The investigation was turned over to the LCSO detective assigned to the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force, and he and his partner, an agent with the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, identified a drug organization operating out of Colorado and Mexicothat was supplying fentanyl and methamphetamine to numerous individuals in Laramie County and southeast Wyoming.

The 15-month investigation, dubbed Operation Shattered Glass, led to the arrest of 32suspects.

Twelve suspects who were higher-level dealers were prosecuted by the UnitedStates Attorney’s Office and eight have received sentences ranging from 24 to 75 months in federal prison.

Laramie County Sheriff's Office

  • Ryan Bennett, Felon in Possession of Firearm, Intent to Deliver Fentanyl(66 months federal prison)
  • Joseph Flores, Intent to Deliver Fentanyl(24months federal prison)
  • Raymond Paddock, Intent to Deliver Fentanyl(33 months federal prison)
  • DanielEllis, Intent to Deliver Fentanyl(63 months federal prison)
  • Michael Guzman, Intent to Deliver Fentanyl(75 months federal prison)
  • Ashley Hyatt, Intent to Deliver Fentanyl, Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl(65 months federal prison)
  • Cesar Lerma Hernandez, Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl(57months federal prison)
  • Miguel Guerrero-Castaneda, Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl(57 months federal prison)
  • Three defendants are awaiting sentencing –names withheld
  • Onedefendantis awaiting trial– name withheld

Nineteen suspects who were lower-level dealers and users were prosecuted by the Laramie County District Attorney’s Office and most received sentences of time servedand probation.

Laramie County Sheriff's Office

  • Jesse Coolbaugh, Introduction of Controlled Substance to a Jail(3-5 years state prison)
  • Jordanne Cole, Drug Possession
  • Amber Wessel,Unrelated arrest warrant
  • Lily Bullis, Drug Possession
  • BrandonOram,Unrelated arrestwarrant
  • Wilbur Turner, Drug Possession
  • Gail Ellis, Drug Possession
  • Olivia Merrill, Drug Possession
  • Nolan Meeks, DrugPossession,and an unrelated arrest warrant
  • Korysa Shepard, Drug Possession (Died of fatal drug poisoning)
  • DerrekMcNalley,Unrelated arrestwarrant
  • Brady Ehlers,Unrelated arrest warrant
  • Three defendants are awaiting sentencing– names withheld
  • Fourdefendantsare awaiting trial– names withheld

Laramie County Sheriff's Office

Anthoney Bryant, one of the 32 suspects who were arrested, is currently being sought on a warrant.

TheLCSO has placed him on its Most Wanted list and is asking for the public’s help in locating him.

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"That which does not kill us makes us stronger, except for fentanyl; fentanyl kills," Kozak said. "Thus, my office will always place the highest prioritytostop fentanyl distribution."

"Fentanylpoisoning was the cause of 17 deaths in Laramie Countyin 2023and the agencies who came together as one team for Operation Shattered Glass care," he added. "Opioid addiction is hard, but regret is harder."

To illustrate his point, Kozak referred toKorysa Shepardwho was arrested for drug possession during the operation.

She was released from the Laramie County Detention Center in February of 2023and went to Fort Collins, Colorado where she died of an overdose.

Kozak said he now gives Narcan, a drug that counteracts opioidpoisoning,to each addicted inmate who is released from his jail.

Kozakis also startingaCorrectional Treatment Unit inthejail, which will be staffed by master-level counselors who will providegroup and individual treatment to inmates who request help.

The LCSO also has three Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion(LEAD)counselors on staff to help thosesufferingfromchemical dependency.

"Ifyou distribute fentanyl in Laramie County,myoffice will go after you and seek federal prosecution," said Kozak. "However, if you ask for help with addiction, we will be there for you."

Kozak says Operation Shattered Glass also resulted in the seizure of 604 grams of methamphetamine, 64 grams of heroin, four grams of cocaine, and five firearms from drug dealers who were not allowed to possessfirearms.

Kozak awarded a commendationaward tothe jailer whouncovered the smuggling operation and meritorious service awards to theLCSO detective and DCI agent who led Operation Shattered Glass.

Their namesare beingwithheld due to their undercover duty assignment and the severe impact they made on a dangerous drug organization.

Kozak alsoawarded a teamwork ribbon to every law enforcement officer, prosecutor,and agency who assisted.

Laramie County Sheriff's Office

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15-Month Investigation Nets 32 Arrests, 16,385 Fentanyl Pills (2024)
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