Gillette Man Receives Prison Sentence for Drug and Firearm Offenses

A 21-year-old Gillette man will be serving over 10 years in prison for numerous drug and firearm offenses. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced Giovanny Bustamante Ibarra to 125 months’ imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and carrying firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

Bustamante Ibarra was arrested on February 28, 2024, when he was pulled over by a trooper with the Wyoming Highway Patrol for expired registration. The trooper deployed his narcotics detection K9 partner, who indicated to the presence of drugs within the vehicle. A subsequent search inside of the vehicle revealed approximately 491 grams of cocaine, three rifles, two of which were short barreled rifles, two handguns and a suppressor that could be threaded onto one of the handguns. One handgun was readily accessible, loaded and located between the driver’s seat and console. The driver, Bustamante Ibarra, claimed ownership of the drugs and firearms. In addition, he participated in a post-Miranda interview admitting his intention to sell the cocaine in Gillette. He was born and raised in the Phoenix area but moved to Gillette in October of 2023.

Bustamante Ibarra was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 13, and pleaded guilty on April 25. The sentence was imposed on Monday, July22. The crime was investigated by the Wyoming Highway Patrol, the ATF, and the DEA.