Evergreen Reporter

Michael Lee Smith, a 49-year-old resident of Cheyenne, Wyoming, has been sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Following his prison term, he will undergo three years of supervised release. Court documents reveal that on April 9, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Smith's residence outside Cheyenne. During the search, the Laramie County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) discovered ten firearms and several high-capacity magazines. As a previously convicted felon, Smith is legally prohibited from possessing firearms. He was indicted on September 18, 2024, and pleaded guilty on November 20, 2024. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl delivered the sentence on February 12 in Cheyenne. The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives and LCSO conducted the investigation while Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Hammer prosecuted the case.

In another case involving illegal re-entry into the United States by a previously deported individual, Roberto Palacios-Grimaldo has been sentenced to time served and will be deported back to Mexico. Palacios-Grimaldo was arrested by Sheridan Police Department officers on November 22, 2024, for driving under the influence of alcohol. He informed officers that he was from Mexico. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were contacted and confirmed that Palacios-Grimaldo had been previously removed from the U.S., having not applied for permission to reenter after his formal removal in September 2016. ICE investigated this crime as well, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuting the case before U.S District Court Judge Alan B Johnson who imposed the sentence on February 12 in Cheyenne.

The United States Attorney’s Office represents the federal government in all litigation involving violations of federal law within Wyoming's district including criminal prosecutions civil lawsuits brought by or against it as well as actions aimed at collecting judgments or restitution benefiting victims taxpayers alike through initiatives like Project Safe Childhood combating technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children Project Safe Neighborhoods reducing gun gang crime nationwide Victim Witness Assistance ensuring victims their families receive compassionate fair respectful treatment.

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