Traffic stop becomes drug bust

by Janet Montgomery

A traffic stop on Hwy 351 near Big Piney ended with a drug bust for a 23-year-old Cheyenne man.

According to a press release from the Sublette County Sheriff’s Department, Deputy Jeramy Pittsley made the arrest following an Oct. 25 traffic stop at 8 p.m. on Hwy 351, just off of Hwy 189 near Big Piney. Pittsley became suspicious of Chad Robert Kolkman when he could not produce proof of insurance and other documents after pulling him over for traveling 78 miles per hour in a 65-mile-per-hour zone.

After being asked for his registration and insurance, Kolkman reached into the glove box and removed a black eyeglass case, which he stuffed between his legs while allegedly attempting to remove and secrete its contents, according to court documents. Pittsley asked Kolkman what he was trying to hide, to which Kolkman allegedly responded, “It’s a rig.”

Kolkman then allegedly handed Pittsley a metal spoon with a white substance on it, two syringes, one of which was loaded with a clear liquid, and a smaller black plastic container. Kolkman allegedly told Pittsley that the syringe contained methamphetamine, belonged to him, and that he had used that morning and was still under the influence of the drug, according to court documents.

Kolkman was arrested and charged with felony unlawful possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor using or under the influence.

Another syringe with a clear liquid substance was located on the floorboard along with a plastic bag with three bags containing a clear crystal-like substance in the driver’s door, according to court documents.

An search of the vehicle recovered more alleged paraphernalia and residue as well as a stick deodorant container with 15 small bags of a crystalline substance, according to court documents. The total weight of the crystalline substance was about 10.1 grams, and all tested presumptive positive as methamphetamine.

Kolkman’s appearance in Circuit Court was Tuesday, and he opted to make application for a public defender. A preliminary hearing date was set for Nov. 4, and bail was set at $25,000.

Felony unlawful possession carries a maximum sentence of seven years with a maximum fine of $15,000. The using or under the influence misdemeanor carries a maximum sentence of six months with a $750 fine.

Sheriff Hank Ruland said in the release, “With the influx of people in Sublette County and the increased presence of drugs, Sublette County deputies are more vigilant than ever to make every attempt possible to get illegal drugs off the streets.”

Ruland noted that a public forum will be held in December to educate Sublette County citizens on how they can be a part of keeping Sublette County as drug free as it can be.

Pittsley was assisted by Deputies Dan Jensen and Joe Ahlstrom.