Police: Wanted Cheyenne Man Caught With Stolen Van, Drugs

A wanted Cheyenne man is facing half a dozen charges after police reportedly caught him in a stolen van with drugs.

According to arrest records, it all started on Tuesday, March 5, after 46-year-old Corey Lee Martinez reportedly failed to return a white 1997 Ford Econoline valued at $2,000 as agreed, and it was reported to the Laramie County Sheriff's Office as stolen.

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Stolen Van Report Leads to Drugs, Wanted Cheyenne Man's Arrest

On Thursday, March 7, at about 3:40 p.m., law enforcement officers were called to the Walmart at 508 Livingston Ave. after a police officer contacted Martinez in the stolen van.

Officers reportedly ordered Martinez out of the van, searched him, and found a small plastic jewelry bag containing approximately 2.75 grams of suspected fentanyl on him.

A subsequent probable cause search of the van reportedly revealed another 0.2 grams of suspected fentanyl, 1.42 grams of suspected methamphetamine, and 1.05 grams of suspected marijuana.

The latch assemblies on the rear door and the passenger side sliding door of the van were also reportedly found to be broken -- an estimated $250 repair.

Police say when they ran Martinez's name, it was discovered that he had an outstanding warrant out of Laramie County Circuit Court for felony theft, which was signed by Judge Antoinette Williams on Jan. 17, 2024.

Cheyenne Man Charged With Felony Theft, 5 Misdemeanors

Martinez was arrested and booked into the Laramie County Detention Center on his warrant as well as five misdemeanor charges -- possession of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana, joyriding - unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and property destruction.

A deputy says due to the circumstances, Martinez was allowed to operate the van, but his failure to return the van did not meet the requirements for motor vehicle theft.

Martinez made his initial appearance on the charges on Friday afternoon, March 8, during which his bond was set at $2,500 cash and his preliminary hearing was scheduled for Monday, March 18, at 9:30 a.m.