RELIANCE — A 66-year-old woman alleged to be a Reliance meth dealer has been arrested after a weeks-long drug investigation.
Sheriff Mike Lowell reports the arrest of Esther Marie Ballinger, age 66, of Reliance.
In March, detectives assigned to the Sheriff’s Narcotics and Arrest Group (SNAAG) began an investigation into alleged illegal drug activity involving Ballinger.
On Wednesday, SNAAG detectives, in coordination with detectives from Rock Springs Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit and agents from Wyoming’s Division of Criminal Investigation’s Southwest Enforcement Team, executed a drug-related search warrant at Ballinger’s residence in Reliance.
During a search of Ballinger’s residence, investigators found approximately one-third of an ounce of methamphetamine pre-packaged for resale (with an estimated street value between $500 and $1000), an undisclosed amount of cash, packaging and storage materials, pay-owe records, digital scales and other related items consistent with the sale and distribution of illegal drugs.
Ballinger is charged with Unlawful possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and possession of more than 3 grams of a controlled substance (methamphetamine).
On Thursday, Sweetwater County Circuit Court Judge John Prokos set bond for Ballinger at $10,000 cash or surety. Ballinger remains in custody at Sweetwater County Detention Center.
In Wyoming, unlawful possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance (methamphetamine) carries a maximum possible penalty of imprisonment for not more than 20 years, a $25,000 fine, or both, and possession of more than 3 grams of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) is punishable by a term of imprisonment for not more than 7 years, a fine of $15,000, or both.
Sheriff Lowell credits a cooperative effort between Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office, RSPD and DCI-SWET and thanks the community for its continued support.
Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office reminds citizens all persons are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
