Possible sentencing ranges from probation to 8.75 years in prison
By Jon Johnson
CLIFTON – A woman who was apprehended while in possession of an ounce of methamphetamine now faces a possible sentence from probation to 8.75 years in prison.
Wanda Kay Wynne, 54, of Duncan, pleaded guilty in Greenlee County Superior Court on Tuesday to an amended charge of attempted transportation of a dangerous drug for sale – a Class-3 felony, and DUI-drug – a Class-1 misdemeanor. The plea agreement dismissed additional charges including possession of a dangerous drug for sale – a Class-2 felony, possession of a dangerous drug – a Class-4 felony, possession of drug paraphernalia – a Class-6 felony, and DUI – a Class-one misdemeanor.
Wynne was initially arrested on Nov. 26, 2020, after being pulled over for traveling under the speed limit at just 40 mph on Highway 75 and for twice weaving onto the white fog line.
According to a Greenlee County Sheriff’s Office report, a deputy followed Wynne as she pulled into the 3-Way store parking lot and waited for her to return. When Wynne began to leave, the deputy followed again and advised he witnessed her swerve onto the fog line twice more.
After a Greenlee County K-9 indicated drugs in the truck, Wynne allegedly told the deputy she had the contraband in her purse. A search yielded two Ziplock bags of meth that together weighed one ounce (28 grams) and $195 in cash. At that time, Wynne allegedly advised she used meth to help her keep up with work remodeling her trailer.
An investigator questioned if Wynne was transporting the meth for money and she allegedly said that she picked it up in the Bowie and was taking it to Duncan, “so I guess that means I’m transporting,” she said.
Wynne also advised that she was under the influence of the drug while driving and analysis of her blood by the Arizona Department of Public Safety Crime Lab in Tucson showed the presence of amphetamine and methamphetamine.
According to her plea agreement, the attempted transportation charge has a presumptive sentence of 3.5 years in prison, with a minimum sentence of 2.5 years, a mitigated minimum sentence of 2 years, a maximum sentence of 7 years, and an aggravated maximum of 8.75 years. However, probation is available, and the sentence will be at the sole discretion of the judge. Sentencing has been scheduled for Sept. 29 at 11:15 a.m. in front of Greenlee County Superior Court Judge Monica L. Stauffer.
