In March, federal prosecutors charged Wind River Tribal Court Chief Judge Terri Smith with two felonies.
Smith is accused of sending text messages to distribute a controlled substance and distributing cocaine. She pleaded not guilty to either charge last week during an initial court hearing in Lander.
She was released on a $25,000 bond. Smith is due back in court before U.S. District Court Judge Alan Johnson in Cheyenne on June 3rd.
Allegations suggest Smith had sent three text messages on April 28, 2018 about selling oxycodone pills and cocaine.
Distribution of cocaine is punishable by up to 10 years of imprisonment. Conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance is punishable by up to 4 years of imprisonment. They are both considered felonies.
The Wind River Inter-Tribal Council released a statement about the situation and their services on Wednesday, April 3rd. The full statement is copied below:
