Man Stopped by Wyoming Highway Patrol Denies Felony Drug Charges

A Vermont man arrested after over seven pounds of marijuana was allegedly found in his vehicle during a traffic stop entered not guilty pleas Tuesday in Albany County District Court.

Evan Kennison, 46, pleaded not guilty to one count each of possession of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. If convicted on both charges and sentenced at the maximum, Kennison could face up to 15 years in prison and $20,000 fines.

Court documents say Kennison was arrested following an April 13 traffic stop in Albany County.

According to the affidavit, a Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper stopped Kennison's black Toyota Tacoma for a lane violation. Kennison was sitting in the passenger seat while a woman drove the vehicle.

The trooper reportedly smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. When the trooper asked him about the presence of marijuana in the pickup, Kennison allegedly handed the trooper a marijuana grinder with suspected marijuana residue inside.

The affidavit goes on to say the trooper ran his K-9 unit around the pickup, and the dog alerted to the right tailgate area.

A search allegedly revealed 7.09 pounds of marijuana in a black duffel bag found in the truck bed along with a small baggie of marijuana the trooper reportedly found in a suitcase in the back seat of the pickup.

Kennison is set to stand trial Nov. 8-9. He remains free on what was initially a $10,000 cash bond.

Cheyenne attorney Donna Domonkos in court Tuesday asked that the bond amount be reduced to $5,000, saying Kennison borrowed the money from his mother and would like to get it back to her.

After no objection from prosecutor Kurt Britzius, Judge Jeffrey Donnell agreed to reduce Kennison's bond by the requested amount and ordered bond continued on the same conditions.