Casper-Area Man Denies Meth Trafficking, Gun Charges
A man accused of selling meth in the Casper area denied three felony charges brought against him Friday morning in Natrona County District Court.
Michael Dwayne Ross, 39, pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to deliver methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver and use of a firearm in commission of a felony.
He could face up to 50 years in prison and $50,000 in fines if convicted on all counts.
Charging papers say in January, a confidential informant told special agents of the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation that Ross had been selling meth since August.
The informant reportedly said Ross would get meth from a source and front it to a companion who would then sell it for him.
Ross allegedly had a handgun on him at all times in order to protect the meth and cash he'd receive from drug sales. The gun charge against Ross claims he traded a gun for meth at one point.
One person involved in the meth ring sold at least 20 pounds of meth in a three-and-a-half month period, according to court documents.
In a separate criminal case, Ross is accused of witness intimidation. He allegedly harassed a woman for what he believed to be a conversation she had with DCI agents.
The affidavit in that case says Ross sent a man to break into the woman's home in the middle of the night. A man tried to get in through the woman's bedroom window, but she was not harmed.
The next day, Ross allegedly showed up at her house with a gun. He said, "keep your mouth shut or you're going to get it," court documents say.
Ross reportedly threatened to shoot another man in the head.
Court records show Ross wrote a letter to Judge Thomas Sullins asking for a reduction in his bond. Sullins said Friday he refused to receive the letter, as it constituted improper ex-parte communication.
Ross had been out on bond, but the company which posted the surety bond revoked it. Ross remains in custody on $10,000 cash or surety bond.
His trial is set for Aug. 7.