State agents say Natrona County man had beginnings of meth lab at residence

CASPER, Wyo. — Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation agents said they caught a Natrona County man with one-third of a pound of suspected methamphetamine and the beginnings of a suspected meth lab during a search Friday, uncovering what investigators describe as a significant drug operation with connections to out-of-state suppliers.

Agents searched the home of 44-year-old Travis Feathers on March 13, finding 0.32 pounds of presumptive-positive methamphetamine, 14.1 grams of cocaine, 21.7 grams of marijuana, 0.2 grams of LSD and 4.5 grams of fentanyl powder mixed with methamphetamine, according to an affidavit filed in the case. The variety and quantity of drugs suggest a sophisticated distribution operation rather than simple personal use.

After interviewing Feathers, agents believe he had already sold a large amount of methamphetamine to a sub-distributor before the raid, indicating the operation was actively supplying drugs to the local community. Feathers appeared in circuit court Monday on six felony charges, with Assistant District Attorney Maridi Choma telling Judge Kevin Taheri that a confidential informant reported Feathers had brought 2,000 fentanyl pills back from Colorado the day before the raid.

Feathers denied dealing with fentanyl specifically during his court appearance. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Taheri set bond at $75,000 cash or surety, reflecting the serious nature of the charges and the potential flight risk given the out-of-state connections allegedly involved in the operation.

Agents began investigating Feathers in February after a source said he had brought a pound of methamphetamine back on one of his twice-monthly trips to Colorado. The frequency of these trips and the quantities allegedly involved suggest an established supply chain designed to bring significant amounts of illegal drugs into Wyoming from out of state.

After hearing last week that Feathers had allegedly brought 2,000 fentanyl pills and two pounds of methamphetamine from Colorado, agents obtained and executed a search warrant. In addition to the drugs, agents found a handgun, three shotguns and an AR-style rifle, raising additional concerns given that Feathers is a felon and prohibited from possessing firearms. One area of the residence contained chemicals and glassware known to be used in meth production, adding a clandestine lab operation charge to the growing list of allegations.