By Tracie Sullivan, For Iron County Today
Two individuals caught with 25 pounds of meth during an April traffic stop have been sentenced in Iron County.
Faily Chavez, 29, and Ramond Allen, 26, were pulled over on April 2, 2024, near Cedar City for following another vehicle too closely on Interstate 15. During the traffic stop, officers searched their vehicle and found the large quantity of methamphetamine concealed under the floor carpet on the passenger side.
Chavez and Allen both pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, a second-degree felony.
Fifth District Judge Matthew L. Bell sentenced Chavez on Monday to 1-15 years in the Utah State Prison and imposed a $5,000 fine.
Chavez’s criminal history includes a prior federal drug trafficking conviction, a factor that weighed heavily in the state’s decision to send her to prison.
“It seems like you like playing this game,” Bell said. “You’re young enough, you could do differently, but your history up to this point has been terrible.
He noted that Chavez’s actions could have resulted in much harsher federal penalties, had the case been prosecuted at the federal level.
Chavez was immediately ordered to begin serving her sentence in Utah State Prison, where the state Board of Pardons will determine the length of her incarceration.
Allen, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was previously sentenced July 15, 2024, to 364 days in jail with credit for time already served. He was also fined $2,053 and will be placed on probation for 36 months under the supervision of Adult Probation and Parole following his release.
During Allen’s sentencing, Iron County Deputy Attorney Shane Klenk acknowledged that while Allen was involved, his lack of a prior criminal history and his lesser role in the trafficking operation justified a jail sentence rather than prison.
Bell, addressing Allen, noted that while he may not have been the main offender, he was still responsible. Bell emphasized the seriousness of the case, reminding Allen of the dangers and consequences of his actions.
Following the sentencing, Iron County Attorney Chad Dotson addressed the differences in the sentencing outcomes.
“She had prior convictions for drug trafficking,” Dotson said. “The judge believed this was a serious case and that it warranted different consequences because of her past record and we agree. I think it was a fair order and that justice was served.”
Dotson also praised the Utah Highway Patrol and his deputy attorneys for their diligent work in the case, which led to the drug seizure and subsequent convictions.