Lead distributor and six co-conspirators sentenced to federal prison for multi-state methamphetamine trafficking ring

CASPER, Wyo. — U.S. Attorney Darin Smith announced today the final federal sentences for seven individuals involved in a major drug trafficking organization that flooded Wyoming communities with methamphetamine. Denny Jason Shrove, 48, of Rawlins, Wyoming, was sentenced to 216 months (18 years) in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for the distribution of methamphetamine.

According to court documents, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), launched a sweeping campaign against a major drug trafficking organization spanning multiple counties in Wyoming and Colorado. Agents identified Shrove as the lead distributor in Wyoming.

Shrove and his co-conspirators worked together to transport narcotics from Colorado and distribute them across Natrona, Carbon, Campbell, Laramie, and Albany counties in Wyoming. The investigation revealed that Shrove alone was responsible for distributing at least 23 pounds of methamphetamine in Wyoming. Shrove was arrested on Jan. 23, 2026, and remained in continual custody until he pleaded guilty."

The trafficking of highly addictive poisons like methamphetamine has no place in Wyoming," said U.S. Attorney Darin Smith. "By holding this key distributor accountable, we send a clear message: Do the crime, and you’ll do the time."

Six of Shrove's federal co-conspirators were also sentenced by U.S. District Judge Scott W. Skavdahl in Casper for their roles in the conspiracy.

Alysha Dahl and Bryan Hackleman were each sentenced to 151 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Cainen Taylor received a sentence of 140 months in prison, followed by 8 years of supervised release. Nicole Phipps was sentenced to 133 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Gregory McCoy was sentenced to 132 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Jonathan Burton was sentenced to 100 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.

Dozens of other individuals linked to the organization have been charged through state court.

The case was investigated by the Wyoming DCI with the assistance of the DEA, HSI, and multiple state and local agencies in Colorado and Wyoming. Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold prosecuted the cases.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).