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 1563
News | September 11, 2026
A rural home north of Elk City was destroyed by fire Thursday, one of two fires that kept western Oklahoma crews busy despite recent rainfall.
News
The Penny News 1562
News | September 10, 2026
GPRMC will continue its free monthly education series, Community Connections, with a September session focused on financial literacy.
News
The Penny News 1561
News | September 10, 2026
OKIE811 will host an Elk City Safety Day on Wednesday, September 16, at Western Technology Center, offering free training for excavators, facility operators, vendors and others involved in underground utility safety and damage prevention.
News
The Penny News 1560
News | September 10, 2026
Roger Mills County fire departments responded to three separate lightning-caused fires near Reydon Wednesday evening, with crews ultimately bringing all three incidents under control.
News
The Penny News 1559
News | September 10, 2026
Washita County’s aeronautical artists are getting to work on a high-flying canvas.
News
The Penny News 1558
News | September 09, 2026
The Elk City Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners from Saturday’s Rodeo Parade, with local businesses, schools, organizations, churches and individuals earning honors in several categories.

 
PN49115
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 10:30 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.