CASPER, Wyo. — The 11-year federal sentence for a Gillette man convicted of meth distribution is among the sentences rendered in District of Wyoming federal courts last month, according to a release Tuesday by the U.S. Justice Department.

Jonathan Dennis Roberts, 41, and Sarah Louise Hutchinson, both of Gillette, were busted coming back from Colorado last year with about 0.83 pounds of methamphetamine, according to case documents. Hutchinson is set for sentencing on Dec 4. More on that case can found here.

Below are summaries of the drug and firearm cases that went to sentencing last month, as provided by the U.S. Justice Department.

On Feb. 11, 2025, staff at a Sheridan motel located alerted law enforcement after finding about 0.71 pounds of methamphetamine under the bedsheets in a room rented by Sheridan resident Kolter Kekich and his dating partner, according to the release. 

Later that day, Wyoming DCI agents and the Sheridan Police Department tried to arrest Kekich, who fled and led police on a high-speed pursuit that ended in a wreck. 

“While refusing to exit his vehicle after the wreck, the defendant began to consume large amounts of drugs resulting in an overdose,” the release said. Law enforcement located additional drugs, drug paraphernalia and $1,360 inside the vehicle. 

Kekich, 30, was sentenced on Oct. 28 to 120 months’ imprisonment with four years of supervised release to follow by U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson in Cheyenne. He pleaded guilty on Aug. 8 to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.  

Scott VanGoethen, 54, of Cheyenne, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to leading a large-scale methamphetamine distribution ring and illegally possessing 15 firearms.

Investigators discovered VanGoethen was driving to Colorado to obtain significant quantities of methamphetamine, which he then sold to his neighbors. The neighbors were involved in distributing the drug further. More on that case can be found here.

Lyman resident Robert Alexander, 43, was sentenced to 121 months’ imprisonment with four years of supervised release to follow for aiding and abetting in the distribution of methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm. 

DCI agents got about 1.36 pounds of methamphetamine over six controlled buys from Alexander’s co-conspirator, identified in the indictment as Shaleen Ungircht, between August and December 2024. A search of Alexander and Ungircht’s residence “uncovered large quantities of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, firearms, and ammunition,” the release said.  

Alexander was indicted on May 21 and pleaded guilty on Aug. 25. U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Oct. 2 in Casper.

Gillette resident Christopher Dakota Daniel Pierce, 39, was sentenced to 37 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release to follow for being a felon in possession of a firearm. 

On Jan. 9, 2025, Campbell County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Pierce’s residence for a domestic disturbance, the release said. On scene, deputies received consent to search the home and ultimately located six firearms that Pierce, a previously convicted felon, had access to. Pierce was indicted on May 21 and pleaded guilty on July 18. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Oct. 15 in Cheyenne. 

Evans, Colorado, resident Jade Mikel Shane, 46, was sentenced to 168 months’ imprisonment with five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. In February 2024, Wyoming DCI agents began an investigation into drug trafficking in Sheridan and Campbell counties. 

“Through the investigation, agents learned the defendant used his residence as a storage and distribution hub for large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl,” the release said. A search warrant executed on Sept. 5, 2024, led to the seizure of significant amounts of controlled substances and numerous firearms. 

DCI worked with a task force in Weld County, Colorado on the case. Shane was indicted on Jan. 15 and pleaded guilty on June 5. U.S. District Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Oct. 8 in Casper.

Related

A massive power outage that affected approximately 95,000 customers in Wyoming and South Dakota Thursday is believed to be the result of two tripped 500-kilovolt transmission lines near Medicine Bow according to Western Area Power Administration Public Affairs Specialist Stephen Collier. The tripped lines caused an unusual voltage event that set off a cascade of other tripped lines resulting in the rolling power outages throughout the Cowboy State and western South Dakota.

Areas in Wyoming affected by the outage Thursday included, but were not limited to, Sheridan, Buffalo, Gillette, Newcastle, Glenrock, and Casper. The county-wide outage in Sheridan County prompted emergency management officials to open the Sheridan County Fairgrounds Exhibit hall as a temporary warming center and shelter for those without power.

There was also a fire Thursday at the Dave Johnston coal-fired power plant near Glenrock. Wyoming Department of Homeland Security Director Lynn Budd said the fire at the power plant occurred after the outages began. It is uncertain at this time if the outages caused the fire at the power plant.

Alfred (Fred) Guadelupe Hernandez, 73 passed away peacefully at his home on November 1, 2025. Fred was born October 6, 1952 in Worland, Wyoming, the third child born to Guadelupe and Margaret Cecilia (Rodriguez) Hernandez. He grew up in Worland Wyoming, graduating in 1971. A lifelong resident of the community, he was known for his warm heart, steady presence and unwavering dedication to family and friends.

Due to bone disorders on his back and numerous surgeries, wrestling was the only sport Fred could participate in. He excelled, becoming the 1971 Wyoming State Champion for 123 weight class. During wrestling, the family hosted a wrestler from Japan, Kenji Lu. Kenji wanted a buzz cut and loved the tacos their family made, who didn’t?

Fred became the proud owner of Fred’s Pool Hall in the late 1970’s to 1980’s, a local gathering spot that reflected his love for a good game. It was located at the end of the Ram’s Horn Cafe where Firenze is today. Fred moved to Washington in the 1990’s for several years owning Fred’s Specialty Distributing and working in sales. He then came back to Worland.

Fred was an avid Denver Bronco’s fan and enjoyed spending time with his beloved dogs.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Rita Gonzalez; brother, Ernie Hernandez; niece, Roxanne Martinez; nephew, Matthew Salazar and many other loved ones.

Survivors include his siblings, Sandy Graham of Phoenix, Arizona, Natalie Hernandez of Maricopa, Arizona, Greg (Mary) Hernandez of Casper, Wyoming, Leonard (Bobbi) Hernandez of Spanish Fork, Utah, and Kenny (Michelle) Hernandez of Worland, Wyoming. Fred is also survived by long-time friend, Marianne Moore, as well as, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and many loved ones.

Cremation has taken place, and funeral services will be held at a later date this upcoming spring. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to your local Humane Society. Online condolences may be made at http://www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.

Fred will be deeply missed for his quiet nature and big heart.