Anthony Owen Pawley, a 66-year-old resident of Murray, Utah, has been sentenced to 96 months in prison following his arrest in 2024. Authorities seized over 40 pounds of methamphetamine, 15,000 fentanyl pills, and a firearm with ammunition from him. Judge David Sam handed down the sentence after Pawley admitted guilt in February 2025 to charges of possessing methamphetamine and fentanyl with intent to distribute, and as a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Pawley will also face five years of supervised release.
Court records reveal that on May 9, 2024, Pawley was pulled over for a traffic violation by detectives from the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team. The vehicle search uncovered methamphetamine, fentanyl pills, and $35,665. Further searches of Pawley’s home and storage unit revealed additional drugs, a GForce Arms shotgun, ammunition, and $278.
Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti stated, “Protecting our citizens and stopping poisonous drugs from being distributed into our communities is a top priority of the Department of Justice.” Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd remarked, “This case shows what can happen when law enforcement comes together to address public safety. Our officers, detectives, and federal partners moved quickly to coordinate this complex investigation with one goal: protecting our neighborhoods.”
The Salt Lake City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah handled the prosecution. This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program aimed at reducing gun violence and other violent crimes by fostering collaboration among all levels of law enforcement and communities.
The Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) of the Salt Lake City Police Department is specially tasked with combating violent crime in the region by identifying and apprehending violent criminals and fugitives. This unit works closely with various divisions to implement targeted measures in areas experiencing increased violent crime activity.