A Colorado woman has been sentenced to federal prison for trafficking drugs to Native American communities in Wyoming.
Their case highlights the ongoing battle against drug use and trafficking on tribal lands.
Arrest of Suspects Near Wind River Reservation
In November 2023, police stopped Dusty Harris and Thelma Faber near Shoshoni, Wyoming, after an investigation linked them to drug trafficking on the Wind River Reservation.
Harris was suspected of selling drugs to members of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes.
Authorities believed he was making another delivery from Colorado when the two were apprehended.
During the stop, deputies found 94 grams of methamphetamine, 34 grams of fentanyl, a scale, and other drug-related items in their vehicle.
Messages on their phones revealed they had been dealing drugs for weeks, providing further evidence of their involvement in the operation.
Sentencing and Rehabilitation Orders
In October, Faber was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute drugs.
After her release, she will be on supervised probation for four years.
During this period, she will undergo regular drug testing, mental health treatment, and vocational training to help her rebuild her life.
Harris, who faced additional charges, received a much longer sentence of 142 months in prison.
However, his lawyer is appealing the decision. Faber is currently serving her sentence at FCI Phoenix, while Harris is being held at FCI Leavenworth in Kansas.
Impact of Meth on Tribal Communities
The Wind River Reservation has faced a growing meth problem, leading the Northern Arapaho tribe to declare a state of emergency in 2020.
This crisis reflects broader issues with methamphetamine abuse in Native American communities across the United States.
A 2006 report by the National Congress of American Indians described meth as devastating tribal communities.
Native Americans have the highest meth usage rates in the country, posing serious health and social challenges.
Federal agencies and courts continue to play a critical role in addressing crimes that cross state lines and impact tribal lands.
