A routine traffic stop in Wyoming led to a significant federal drug case involving the transportation and intended distribution of methamphetamine and cocaine, according to a recent announcement by the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming, K2 Radio reports.
John Fowler, 42, who does not have a permanent residence, was sentenced on May 29, 2025, in federal court to over 12 years in prison (151 months), followed by five years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, as well as possession with intent to distribute both substances.
The investigation began on July 31, 2024, when Wyoming law enforcement agencies received a tip that Fowler was traveling to the state with a large quantity of narcotics. On August 1, a Natrona County Sheriff’s deputy observed a vehicle speeding northbound on Interstate 25 near mile marker 185 and conducted a traffic stop.
A K9 unit from the Casper Police Department alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. A search subsequently revealed approximately 404 grams of methamphetamine and 48 grams of cocaine. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) responded to support the ensuing investigation.
Through further investigation, including interviews and search warrants, law enforcement determined that Fowler and two passengers—Allen Baker, 22, and Berlynn Ditton, 21, both of Casper—had transported the drugs from Texas to Natrona County for distribution.
In state court proceedings, Baker was charged with three counts of possession of a controlled substance and received a six-to-eight-year suspended sentence. Ditton pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor conspiracy charge and received a one-year suspended sentence with credit for time served.
“This case is a powerful example of how proactive drug interdiction and teamwork across agencies prevent dangerous drugs from reaching our community,” said Natrona County Sheriff John Harlin. “We will continue to take decisive action against those who threaten the safety of our residents.”
