Traffic Violations Turn Into Meth Bust in Cheyenne

A 59-year-old Cheyenne man is facing a felony drug charge following a traffic stop in south central Cheyenne.

Traffic Stop Leads to Meth Bust

According to a booking sheet, Joseph L. Morehead was arrested at 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30, after a Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper stopped him at mile marker 9 on U.S. 85 for a lane violation and having an obstructed windshield.

It's alleged that Morehead was in possession of 13.5 grams of methamphetamine.

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Morehead was booked into the Laramie County Detention Center and subsequently charged with felony possession of methamphetamine, a crime punishable by up to seven years in prison, up to a $15,000 fine, or both.

Initial Court Appearance

The following afternoon, Oct. 31, Morehead was seen in Laramie County Circuit Court in front of Judge Sean C. Chambers on the charge.

Chambers appointed Morehead a public defender and his preliminary hearing was set for Friday, Nov. 7, at 11:15 a.m.

Chambers then asked for the state's bond recommendation.

"Mr. Morehead does have a history of similar offenses, including possession convictions from 2018, 1986, 1992, 1994, and 2008," the state said. "Additionally, he has prior contempts of court from 1992, 1993, 2000, and 2022, two convictions for escape from ...1985 and 2002, as well as a number of other felony convictions unrelated to these charges."

"That history certainly gives the state concern for the safety of the community and those contempts certainly give the state concern for Mr. Morehead's ability and willingness to comply with this court's orders," the state added. "Given the significant underlying penalty with these charges, the state believes that a cash bond is appropriate and would request $5,000 cash."

Bond Set at $5K Cash

"I'm going to set a $5,000 cash only bond," Chambers told Morehead. "If you're able to post that I'll set conditions."

Please remember that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.