Felony drug charge for Greybull woman

A 65-year-old Greybull woman pled not guilty to drug possession charges last week in the Fifth Judicial District Court of Big Horn County.
Joan Hansen was arrested Oct. 21, 2023, after the vehicle she was driving was pulled over near milepost 222 on Highway 310 for going 81 mph in a 70 mph zone.  Tiffany Nielsen, 45, was her only passenger.
According to the affidavit, the sheriff’s deputy who made the stop observed a cannabis advertisement paper in the backseat.  When he asked what controlled substances were in the vehicle, Hansen said, “Just this,” holding up a green plastic bag. The Greybull PD sent its drug dog, K-9 Jimmy, who alerted on the driver’s side door, which led to a search of the vehicle’s interior.
Officers allegedly found two small plastic baggies containing a crystal substance, another small plastic baggie containing five blue pills, a half-smoked, pre-rolled marijuana joint and Narcan.
The 5.7 grams of crystal substance tested positive for methamphetamine. The THC content of the pre-rolled marijuana joints equaled 2 grams.
On Nov. 14, Hansen pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance: methamphetamine and not guilty to misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance: marijuana.
Judge Bobbi Overfield informed Hansen that convictions for both could result in up to eight years in jail and/or fines of up to $16,000.
Timothy Blatt, Hansen’s attorney, requested a change in bond, which has been set at $25,000.  He said Hansen has lived in Greybull her entire life, owned a business for 25 years and was residing with her brother John at the time of her arrest.
“She has substantial ties to the community,” said Blatt, adding that his client has been in jail since her arrest.
Big Horn County Attorney Marcia Bean argued against it, pointing out that “newly-purchased jewerly-type baggies” were also found in the vehicle, “indicating that Hansen and potentially the codefendant are involved in the distribution of controlled substances.”
Bean added that a safe in the home where Hansen was staying, which was said to contain more controlled substances and cash, has since disappeared.   The pills found in her possession are being tested.
“She’s received two deferrals in her lifetime, indicating she is familiar with the charges before this year and that she should know better to be involved in this.
“There’s no indication that the meth that was found on Mrs. Hansen at 3 a.m. when she was driving home from Billings was for person use, given what else was found in the vehicle.”
Overfield opted to keep the bond where it had previously been set, $25,000, with the same terms and conditions.