A 41-year-old Cheyenne man who was part of a trio who were caught with more than 1,700 fentanyl pills has been sentenced to federal prison, the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Wyoming announced late Wednesday afternoon.

U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on Jan. 4 sentenced Daniel Lee Ellis to 63 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

KGAB logo
Get our free mobile app

According to arrest records, Ellis was riding in a vehicle with two other Cheyenne residents, Lily Marie Bullis and Raymond Paddock, on May 12, 2023, when a police officer stopped them on eastbound Interstate 80 near the Interstate 25 interchange for having expired tags.

During the traffic stop, Officer Lisa Koeppel arrived and deployed K-9 Tyler, who alerted on the vehicle.

The vehicle was subsequently searched, and Ellis, who was riding in the back seat, was found to have more than 700 suspected fentanyl pills.

Bullis, who was driving, was found to have more than three grams of fentanyl in pill form, and Paddock, who was riding in the front seat, was found to have more than 1,000 fentanyl pills.

Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott Skavdahl on Dec. 12 sentenced Paddock to 33 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

Meet the Four-Legged Heroes of the Cheyenne Police Department

They may not be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, but make no bones about it, police dogs play a vital role in the fight against crime.

In many situations, they're the first ones to put their lives on the line to protect their human partners, proving that not all heroes wear capes, some wear fur coats.

Gallery Credit: Joy Greenwald

Parents Should Familiarize Themselves with These Illegal Drugs

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to recognizing and understanding when your child becomes involved with illegal drugs.

Gallery Credit: Cindy Campbell

More From KGAB