Cheyenne Men Charged With Drug Crimes Following Traffic Stop
Two Cheyenne men are facing felony drug charges following a traffic stop in southeast Cheyenne.
Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Bust
According to booking sheets, Zachary Jon Mundahl, 45, and Leonard Raymond Riffel, 51, were arrested at 3:50 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23, after police stopped them at Windmill Road and Nationway.
Mundahl reportedly had 4.82 grams of fentanyl on him and was booked into the Laramie County Detention Center for felony possession of fentanyl as well as misdemeanor display of license plates and tail lamps charges.
Riffel was booked on two Laramie County warrants, a misdemeanor warrant out of Circuit Court for failing to appear for a must appear status hearing on Monday, Oct. 6, on an underlying charge of misdemeanor theft and a felony warrant out of District Court for failing to appear for a must appear status hearing.
Both men were subsequently charged with felony possession of fentanyl, a crime punishable by up to seven years in prison, up to a $15,000 fine, or both.
Riffel was also charged with felony possession of methamphetamine, a crime punishable by up to seven years in prison, up to a $15,000 fine, or both; possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison, up to a $25,000 fine, or both; possession of a controlled substance - third or subsequent offense alleging he had cocaine and was previously convicted of the same or similar offense on March 2, 2017; May 29, 2018; June 20, 2018; and April 28, 2022, making it a felony punishable by up to five years in prison, up to a $5,000 fine, or both; and misdemeanor felon in possession of a firearm, a crime punishable by up to six months in jail, up to a $750 fine, or both.
Mundahl's Case
On Monday, Oct. 27, Mundahl was seen in Circuit Court in front of Judge TJ Forwood on his charge.
Forwood appointed Mundahl a public defender and asked the state for recommendation on bond.
"In light of (his criminal history) and the nature of the current allegations, the state would recommend a $5,000 cash bond," the state said.
Mundahl asked for a cash or surety bond, but Forwood said the recency of some of his failures to appear and the fact that he's on parole concerned him.
"I think you're a flight risk," said Forwood. "As a risk to the community, I do think a $5,000 cash bond is appropriate."
Out on Bond
Mundahl posted bond the following day, Oct. 28, and is scheduled to be back in court for his preliminary hearing on Thursday, Nov. 6, at 3 p.m.
Riffel's Case
On Tuesday, Oct. 28, Riffel was seen in Circuit Court in front of Judge Antoinette Williams on his five charges.
Williams appointed Riffel a public defender and his preliminary hearing was set for Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 2:15 p.m.
She then asked for the state's position regarding bond.
"I have reviewed Mr. Riffel's criminal history," the state said. "Frankly, it's very lengthy and it is concerning to the state."
"It's clear to the state that Mr. Riffel presents a present danger to everyone in Laramie County," the state added. "I'm thinking somewhere in the neighborhood of $75,000 cash ... is necessary to ensure the safety of the community and ensure Mr. Riffel's compliance with the lawful orders of this court."
Bond Set at $75K Cash
"Based on the nature of the offense, Mr. Riffel's criminal history, and the allegation Mr. Riffel was in possession of a firearm, the court's going to go ahead and set bond at $75,000 cash," said Williams.
Please remember that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
For more information on Mundahl's and Riffel's criminal history, check out our earlier posts:
- Wanted Cheyenne Man Found Passed Out With Drugs in His Pocket
- Cheyenne Man Hit With Felony Drug Charge After Caught Shoplifting
- Man Sentenced for Taking Money From Cody Vape Shop
- Cheyenne Man Wanted on Meth Charge [VIDEO]
Laramie County's Most Wanted Fugitives
Gallery Credit: Joy Greenwald