Three Charged With Meth Trafficking After Custer County Traffic Stop

The Penny News 988

Custer County, OK – A Studio City, California woman has been charged in Custer County with trafficking methamphetamine after a November traffic stop, according to newly filed court documents.

Prosecutors allege that Kristen Lea Chenoweth, 37, along with co-defendants Dalton Glen Lanning, 32, of Stratford, Oklahoma, and Mercedes Don Hale, 28, of Morris, Oklahoma, also known as Mercedes Don Rogers, was found in possession of more than 20 grams of methamphetamine on November 10, 2025.

Chenoweth, Lanning and Hale are each charged with trafficking in illegal drugs (methamphetamine), a felony. The information filed by the Custer County District Attorney’s Office states the amount of methamphetamine exceeded 20 grams, which qualifies the case as trafficking under Oklahoma law. If convicted, the trafficking charge is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine ranging from 25,000 dollars to 200,000 dollars.

Additional charges for each co-defendant:

Dalton Glen Lanning, 32, Stratford, Oklahoma

  • Trafficking in illegal drugs, AFC 2 or more felonies

  • Possession of controlled dangerous substance, misdemeanor

  • Unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor

Mercedes Don Hale, 28, Morris, Oklahoma

  • Trafficking in illegal drugs, AFC 2 or more felonies

  • Possession of controlled dangerous substance, misdemeanor

  • Unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor

Chenoweth also faces two misdemeanor counts: possession of a controlled dangerous substance (marijuana) and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Prosecutors allege she had marijuana in her possession on the same date, as well as four pipes containing drug residue. Each misdemeanor count carries a potential penalty of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to 1,000 dollars.

In a separate filing, the District Attorney’s Office has filed a supplemental “after former conviction of a felony” information. Prosecutors allege Chenoweth has two prior felony convictions out of McIntosh County for carrying a weapon, drugs or alcohol into jail, originally sentenced as a deferred two-year term in December 2015 and later accelerated to a two-year suspended sentence in July 2016. The enhancement filing lists a possible penalty of two years to life in prison if she is convicted in the new case.

The charges stem from an arrest made November 10, 2025, in Custer County, according to the Oklahoma Uniform Violations Complaint included in the court file. The complaint lists the primary offense as “drug trafficking amphetamine or meth: 20 grams or more (using motor vehicle).”

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Copyright 2025 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.


  arrest   custer county   meth   News   oklahoma  
 
 

More News

News
The Penny News 1346
News | May 12, 2026
A former nurse anesthetist at Great Plains Regional Medical Center in Elk City is facing felony charges after multiple female employees accused him of sexual misconduct while working at the hospital.
News
The Penny News 1345
News | May 11, 2026
Two separate Internet Crimes Against Children investigations conducted by the Elk City Police Department Criminal Investigations Division have resulted in guilty pleas and lengthy prison sentences for two offenders.
News
The Penny News 1344
News | May 11, 2026
Elk City residents are still assessing damage after a severe hailstorm moved through the area, dropping hailstones reportedly measuring more than three inches in some locations.
News
The Penny News 1343
News | May 11, 2026
Friday, May 22, is the last day to apply for voter registration in order to be eligible to vote in the June 16 Primary Election.
News
The Penny News 1342
News | May 11, 2026
It's a banner day for downtown Elk City.
News
The Penny News 1341
News | May 11, 2026
A Watonga man is facing two felony counts of grand larceny after authorities say stolen oilfield equipment and vehicles were recovered from his property following an investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies.

 
PN49204
Have your ad read on the most powerful hour in radio, TRADIO. The buy, sell, and trade show that airs Monday through Friday at 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM and Saturday at 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM on KECO 96.5 FM.

 

 

© Copyright 2025, Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.