SWEETWATER COUNTY — Three people were arrested Tuesday evening in Rock Springs after a months-long multi-agency meth investigation.
Sheriff Mike Lowell reports the arrests of Quintyn Gary Hart, age 26, Clayton Michael Palmen, age 19, and Bernhardt Henry Peterson, age 37, all of Rock Springs.
In February, detectives assigned to the Sheriff’s Narcotics and Arrest Group (SNAAG), a specialized unit of county detectives dedicated to drug enforcement and fugitive apprehension cases, began an investigation into alleged illegal drug activity involving Hart and Palmen at a residence on 2nd Street in Rock Springs.
On Monday, SNAAG detectives, along with detectives from Rock Springs Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit and agents from the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation’s Southwest Enforcement Team, executed a drug-related search warrant at the residence.
During a search of the home, detectives found an undisclosed amount of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and other items consistent with the use and distribution of illegal drugs.
Hart is charged with two separate counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance (methamphetamine). Palmen is also charged with unlawful delivery of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), and is further wanted by Sweetwater County authorities on a warrant for probation violation on original charges of forgery, larceny, criminal trespass, and escape from official detention. Peterson is charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), third or subsequent offense.
In Wyoming, the unlawful manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance is a felony which carries a maximum possible penalty of imprisonment for not more than 20 years, a $25,000 fine, or both. Unlawful possession of a controlled substance, third or subsequent offense, is also a felony which carries a maximum possible penalty of imprisonment for not more than 5 years, a $5,000 fine, or both.
Sheriff Lowell credits a cooperative effort from those involved, and thanks the community for its continued support.
Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office reminds citizens all persons are innocent until proven guilty in accordance with law.
