Court News Search of home leads to arrests, seizure of drugs

A Division of Criminal Investigation-led search of a home in Greybull last Wednesday resulted in the arrests of three people and the seizure of fentanyl, methamphetamine and other drug paraphernalia.
Jacob Sales, 31, is facing two felony counts of possession of a controlled substance — one for methamphetamine, the other fentanyl — and a single count of possession with intent to deliver a Schedule II controlled substance, which is also a felony.
Also arrested were Joel Anderson, 29, who has since been charged with possession of a controlled substance, third or subsequent offense; and Kristi Arellano, 33, for misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance.
DCI agents received tips from confidential sources about suspected criminal activity occurring at 525 Third Ave. N. — and specifically, that both Anderson and Sales were distributing controlled substances, according to the affidavit of probable cause written by John W. McCloud III, a special agent for the Wyoming DCI. The home is the longtime residence of Sales and Anderson had recently moved in.
While the home was under surveillance, agents observed a pickup pull up, Sales walk to the passenger door and make a hand-to-hand exchange that lasted less than five seconds.
Agents later witnessed what they believed to be a second transaction when in the span of about three minutes, a man pulled up, entered and exited the home, then drove off.
When they executed the search warrant, officers discovered controlled substances and evidence related to the distribution of controlled substances, according to the affidavit.
In the room belonging to Sales, they allegedly found several firearms, methamphetamine weighing 6 grams, fentanyl weighing 8 grams, digital scales and pay/owe ledgers that listed known controlled substances users/distributors.
Investigators also found crushed up blue pills weighing less than 1 gram in the pocket of a pair of pants belonging to Anderson that were found in the living room. The pills tested positive for fentanyl.
Less than a gram of methamphetamine was found in a purse belonging to Arellano, believed by law enforcement to be a guest in the home.
The search also resulted in the discovery of other items of drug paraphernalia and use, including burnt tin foil used in the consumption of fentanyl pills, used hypodermic needles, jeweler’s baggies and containers with suspected drug residue
All three are currently being held in the Big Horn County Jail.