Prosecutors charge 5th person in drug case involving death of Wyoming bull rider

2nd death linked to case involving Wyo. bull rider

CASPER, Wyo. — Federal prosecutors have linked a second death to a case in which a group of Wyoming men are charged with distributing cocaine and heroin.

The group also has been connected to the Dec. 2 death of Cheyenne professional bull rider Bryan John Guthrie.

Authorities named a fifth defendant in a new indictment unsealed Thursday in federal court in Casper that cites the death of 34-year-old Valarie A. Sena in Cheyenne on Aug. 1.

Authorities say Vernon V. Ellefson Jr. was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine resulting in death, and another count of distribution of heroin resulting in death.

Attorney Thomas R. Smith, who represents Ellefson, was not immediately available for comment.

The new indictment did not contain any details about Sena’s death or Ellefson’s alleged involvement.

Information from: Casper Star-Tribune - Casper, www.trib.com