Evergreen Reporter

Martin Anthony Martinez, Jr., 32, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 77 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on July 9. According to court documents, beginning in June 2023, Martinez came to the attention of Task Force Officers with the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) when his name repeatedly surfaced during investigative interviews. On July 5, 2023, a state search warrant executed on his property resulted in the seizure of approximately 4,000 fentanyl pills, 16 grams of methamphetamine, and a loaded Glock 32 semiautomatic handgun. Martinez pleaded guilty to the charge on March 24. This case was prosecuted by Timothy J. Forwood.

Victor Paul Gonzalez Brizo, 41, of Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico, was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on July 12. According to court documents, in Spring 2023 Task Force Officers (TFOs) with the DEA were investigating a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl in the Cheyenne area and identified Brizo as a courier driving a gray Chevrolet Cruze. On November 3, 2023, the DEA obtained a search warrant and arrested Brizo outside his residence in Thornton, Colorado with assistance from the Thornton Police Department. Investigators seized a large quantity of U.S. currency, approximately 2,800 fentanyl pills, 106 grams of methamphetamine, 39 grams of heroin, suspected drug ledgers and packaging with drug residue during the search. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Forwood.

The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming including criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law and civil lawsuits brought by or against the government among other duties.

The Office participates in several programs designed to enhance community safety:

Environmental Justice aims for fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or income concerning environmental laws and policies.

Project Safe Childhood is an initiative combating technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children.

Project Safe Neighborhoods is committed to reducing gun and gang crime nationwide by networking local programs targeting gun crime.

Victim Witness Assistance ensures victims of federal crimes and their families are treated with compassion and respect.

To report a federal crime: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime#trafficking