Man pleads guilty to delivery of controlled substance

SHERIDAN (WNE) — Jesus Lopez-Martinez, 50, pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of delivery of a controlled substance — methamphetamine.

Lopez-Martinez was originally facing two felony delivery charges. In return for his guilty plea to count one, felony delivery of a controlled substance, count two was dropped pursuant to a plea agreement from the state.

Lopez-Martinez is not a legal citizen of the United States and is being held at the Sheridan County Detention Center — not as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement hold. He will be held in Sheridan County until his sentencing hearing.

During Lopez-Martinez’ hearing in district court last week, Judge Darci Phillips explained to Lopez-Martinez that pleading guilty to a felony charge could result in his deportation.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation received word that Lopez-Martinez was selling methamphetamine in Sheridan. On Nov. 8, 2024 DCI agents conducted a controlled substance buy of methamphetamine from Lopez-Martinez at his residence.

Agents purchased approximately 36.3 grams of meth for $500. When discussing the price, Martinez-Lopez told agents he could sell seven eight balls — which is slang for one-eighth ounce of a powdered drug — in Sheridan for $1,000 if he sold it all individually. Agents estimated Lopez-Martinez had two eight balls left after the deal.

On Nov. 13, 2024 agents conducted another controlled buy of methamphetamine from Lopez-Martinez. Agents purchased approximately 7.1 grams of meth from him for $850.

He was arrested Dec. 19, 2024. Law enforcement confirmed Lopez-Martinez did not have a valid driver's license and is not a legal resident of the United States.

Delivery of methamphetamine is a felony punishable by prison for up to 20 years, a maximum fine of $25,000 or both.

This story was published on May 9, 2025.