Sweetwater County Detention Facility
A Reliance woman was arrested Wednesday after a drug investigation that began last month.
Esther Marie Ballinger, age 66, of Reliance was arrested Wednesday and charged with unlawful possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and possession of more than 3 grams of a controlled substance (methamphetamine).
Detectives assigned to the Sheriff’s Narcotics and Arrest Group, or SNAAG, began an investigation into alleged illegal drug activity involving Ballinger in March, according to the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office.
On Wednesday, SNAAG detectives, in coordination with detectives from Rock Springs Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit and agents from Wyoming’s Division of Criminal Investigation’s Southwest Enforcement Team, executed a drug-related search warrant at Ballinger’s residence in Reliance.
During the search, investigators allegedly found approximately one-third of an ounce of methamphetamine which was pre-packaged for resale. The drugs have an estimated street value between $500 and $1000.
In addition, investigators allegedly found an undisclosed amount of cash, packaging and storage materials, pay-owe records, digital scales, and other related items consistent with the sale and distribution of illegal drugs.
Ballinger is charged with Unlawful possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and possession of more than 3 grams of a controlled substance (methamphetamine).
On Thursday, Sweetwater County Circuit Court Judge John Prokos set bond for Ballinger at $10,000 cash or surety. As of press time, Ballinger remains in custody at Sweetwater County Detention Center.
In Wyoming, unlawful possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance (methamphetamine) carries a maximum possible penalty of imprisonment for not more than 20 years, a $25,000 fine, or both, and possession of more than 3 grams of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) is punishable by a term of imprisonment for not more than 7 years, a fine of $15,000, or both.
Sheriff Lowell credits a cooperative effort between Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office, RSPD and DCI-SWET and thanks the community for its continued support.
Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office reminds citizens all persons are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.