The United States Attorney’s Office announced on Mar. 12 that two individuals from Wyoming have been sentenced for drug trafficking offenses following investigations by multiple law enforcement agencies.
These cases highlight ongoing efforts by federal and local authorities to address the distribution of illegal drugs in Wyoming communities.
Cathy Lynn Mink, 39, of Lander, received a sentence of 32 months in prison and three years of supervised release for distributing fentanyl. According to court documents, agents from the Division of Criminal Investigation learned in April 2025 that Mink was selling fentanyl on the Wind River Reservation. A controlled purchase resulted in the seizure of 150 fentanyl tablets. Later, after evading officers during a traffic stop involving a stolen vehicle, Mink was apprehended and found with over 180 fentanyl tablets concealed on her person at booking. The case was investigated by DCI and the FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Trails Task Force with assistance from the Wind River Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist prosecuted the case, and U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Feb. 26 in Cheyenne.
Samuel J. Pratts, 32, of Jackson, was sentenced to 110 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Law enforcement began investigating Pratts in March 2025 regarding controlled substance distribution in Teton and Sublette Counties. On April 18, a Teton County Sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop where a police dog alerted to illegal substances; over 350 grams of methamphetamine were found during a subsequent search. The investigation involved several agencies including Sublette County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson Police Department, Teton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Hammer prosecuted this case before U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl who imposed sentencing on March 4 in Cheyenne.
The United States Attorney’s Office represents the federal government in litigation within Wyoming and is responsible for prosecuting violations of federal law as well as civil lawsuits involving the government or actions to collect judgments for victims and taxpayers.
The office participates in programs such as Project Safe Childhood—a Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children—and Operation Take Back America which targets illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations through coordinated resources from various DOJ task forces.
Victims of federal crimes are supported through a dedicated Victim Witness Coordinator who ensures they are treated with compassion and respect throughout legal proceedings.
