Both Accused In Case Of Operating An Unregistered Aircraft

Two men charged in a case involving drugs, cash, and an airplane have pleaded guilty in federal court in Wyoming.

The Associated Press reports that last week, Michael Lewis of Englewood, CO pleaded guilty to a charge of operating an unregistered airplane. He and Gilbert Wayne Wiles of Denver had been arrested and charged after a drug-sniffing dog had alerted near their airplane on the ramp at Yellowstone Regional Airport in February 2014. While no drugs were found in the plane, the dog's actions indicated that it had been used to transport drugs in the past, according to testimony from a police officer. Lewis and Wiles were arrested in a hotel room with some $250,000 cash.

Lewis pleaded guilty last week to charges of operating an unregistered aircraft, and faces up to three years in prison. However, District Judge Alan B. Johnson said that it may be a case that for which an a probationary sentence would be appropriate. The Billings Gazette reports that Wiles pleaded guilty Friday to a charge of aiding and abetting the operation of an unregistered aircraft.

Prosecutors are continuing to pursue a civil case to force the forfeiture of the cash and the Cessna, which Lewis purchased for $130,000, saying they were involved in the illegal drug trade despite not having filed any drug charges.

Lewis has filed claims in civil court asserting ownership of both the airplane and the cash, but as part of his plea agreement, he has forfeited any interest in the Cessna.

Lewis reportedly told federal prosecutor Thomas Scott in court that he "did not know" the plane was supposed to be registered.

FMI: www.wyd.uscourts.gov