Casper Man Admits to Endangering Child With Methamphetamine
A man will likely see no prison time after admitting to driving while under the influence of methamphetamine with a child in the vehicle and storing drugs in the car.
Louis Walter Hamilton, 27, pleaded guilty Tuesday in Natrona County District Court to one count of endangering a child with methamphetamine.
Wyoming statute provides a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a $5,000 fine. However, the state is set to recommend Hamilton serve three years of supervised probation with a suspended two- to four-year prison sentence.
The state also dismissed a second count – a simple possession charge – in exchange for Hamilton’s guilty plea.
The court on Tuesday made no judgement as to the plea deal. Hamilton will be sentenced at a later date.
Charging papers say Casper police stopped Hamilton’s vehicle on Jan. 14 after they found it going 65 mph on West Yellowstone Highway west of Salt Creek Highway.
Hamilton told an officer he was under the influence and admitted to having drugs in the vehicle.
Officers found a Crown Royal bag which contained a used syringe, a metal spoon with methamphetamine residue and two jewelers’ baggies containing methamphetamine residue.
The Wyoming Department of Family Services was called to care for the child.
Hamilton admitted to using meth earlier that morning, according to an affidavit.
He remains free on $5,000 bond pending sentencing.