A felon with a long history of drug and firearm convictions will spend 10 years in federal prison on related charges.
Alfred Lee Apodaca, 72, of Riverton, Wyoming, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison with five years of supervised release to follow for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and for being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on July 6 in Cheyenne.
According to court documents, in late May 2025, the Wyoming Department of Investigation conducted a months-long investigation into methamphetamine trafficking in Fremont County. They identified Apodaca as a primary supplier. Investigators completed two controlled purchases totaling more than 52 grams of methamphetamine before executing search warrants on his vehicle, camper trailer where he lived, and a storage unit. Agents uncovered approximately four pounds of methamphetamine, more than 1.6 pounds of marijuana, drug distribution materials, records of suspected drug transactions, and two loaded handguns. Because Apodaca is a convicted felon, he is not permitted to possess firearms.
Apodaca was indicted on Sept. 16, 2025, and pleaded guilty on April 14, 2026. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist prosecuted the case.
U.S. Attorney Darin Smith said, “Methamphetamine traffickers who repeatedly ignore the law will be held fully accountable. This defendant’s lengthy criminal history, combined with his continued trafficking of dangerous drugs while illegally possessing firearms, posed a serious threat to Wyoming communities. Repeat offenders, be warned that this office and our law enforcement partners are coming for you!”
“Firearms are all too frequently used by violent offenders to facilitate other illicit crimes,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Chris Ashbridge. “This case is a prime example of how seamless collaboration with our local and federal partners delivers significant sentences and tangible results that builds safer communities.”
This case was brought as part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods.