Previously Convicted Man Charged with Methamphetamine Possession
A man who was previously convicted of possession of a controlled substance at least twice now faces another charge after a Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper allegedly found methamphetamine in the man's pants during a traffic stop.
Nip Tran Ha, 33, pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Albany County District Court to one count of felony possession of a controlled substance -- methamphetamine -- as a third or subsequent offense. He could face up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine if convicted.
Ha was arrested July 8 after a Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper stopped him for traveling 85 mph in a 75 mph speed zone in Albany County.
Court documents say the trooper arrested Ha on a warrant issued out of Laramie County for failure to appear in court on a citation. As he searched Ha, the trooper found a small, clear baggie of suspected methamphetamine, reportedly in crystalline form.
According to the trooper's affidavit, Ha has at least two prior convictions for possession of a controlled substance.
Judge Jeffrey Donnell set Ha's trial for Jan. 10-11. Ha remains free on $10,000 signature bond.