Law Enforcement Says It Would Be Naive to Think Colorado Marijuana Users Won't Cross State Lines CHEYENNE - Law enforcement officials in Wyoming counties that border Colorado are preparing for an increase in marijuana arrests given that recreational use of the drug became legal Wednesday in the neighboring state. Carbon County Sheriff Jerry Colson said he will host a training session in February for all law enforcement officers in the county to help them recognize impaired driving from use of marijuana and other drugs, as well as from alcohol. [continues 262 words]
Legalize marijuana? CHEYENNE -- A Jackson musician says he is receiving support for his plan to get a ballot question before town voters to legalize the use of small amounts of marijuana by adults. Pete Muldoon said he has collected 100 signatures thus far. He plans to gather 1,000 to be sure he has at least 500 valid signatures from registered voters who live in Jackson. Muldoon is aiming to get his proposal on the November election ballot. "I don't use marijuana," he said in a telephone interview. "I just don't think we should be arresting [users] and sending them to jail." [continues 342 words]
CHEYENNE -- Drugs found in a Cheyenne man's trailer should not have been admitted as evidence at his trial because the warrantless search was unconstitutional, the Wyoming Supreme Court has ruled. The court opinion, released late Friday, reversed the conviction of Jeremy Fenton, who had entered a conditional plea of guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver. The condition preserved his right to appeal a ruling by Laramie County District Court Judge Peter Arnold denying his motion to suppress evidence found and statements made during a search of his home. [continues 370 words]
CHEYENNE -- With so many other state health care insurance plans to use as models, Wyoming needs to be sure it doesn't go overboard with studies and miss an opportunity to take action, said Chris Shoults, Democratic candidate for Senate District 3. Shoults pointed out the Legislature this year allocated three new positions and more than $2 million to the Wyoming Health Care Commission. He said that while the state should look at the commission's recommendations, it also should examine other states' models, including Massachusetts'. [continues 567 words]
CHEYENNE -- Warning that Wyoming's methamphetamine epidemic is beyond the crisis stage, Republican gubernatorial candidate Ray Hunkins Thursday pledged to create a new cabinet-level administrator to deal with the problem. The Wheatland attorney and rancher said his first act as governor, if elected, will be to appoint an administrator of the Governor's Drug Enforcement, Prevention and Treatment Office. "This administrator will report directly to the governor and have the authority to act with the full political support and will of the governor," Hunkins said during a news conference at the Plains Hotel. [continues 329 words]
CHEYENNE -- A man who claimed he was just along for the ride in a car that contained 77 pounds of marijuana lost his appeal to the Wyoming Supreme Court. The state's high court concluded that a Laramie County District court jury heard nearly overwhelming evidence to convict Jorge T. Sotolongo- Garcia of possession with intent to deliver marijuana and conspiracy to deliver. In a separate opinion issued Tuesday, the Supreme Court also upheld the forgery conviction of Betty Jean Williams in Sheridan County District Court. [continues 429 words]