Three Face Sentencing in Wyoming
Three San Diego residents caught with more than 38 pounds of marijuana in their car during a traffic stop on Interstate 80 near Wamsutter have pleaded guilty to federal drug charges.
Patrick Maloney, 26, and Robert Van Allen Jr., 26, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute marijuana. Linda Dean, 23, pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana. They entered their pleas at a hearing Thursday. U.S. District Judge Alan Johnson ordered a pre-sentence investigation.
The maximum penalty for conspiracy to distribute marijuana is five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for possession of marijuana is one year in prison and a $5,000 fine. Johnson is expected to sentence the three early next year.
The defendants were taken into custody on Saturday by the Wyoming Highway Patrol eight miles east of Wamsutter. Patrol Sgt. Dennis Wilson said what appeared to be a routine traffic stop for possible speeding yielded 38 pounds of marijuana, the largest drug bust in the area in the past year or so.
Patrolman Dan Hensley stopped the car, smelled marijuana, found a small amount and a further search yielded the 38 pounds, Wilson said.
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