A Colorado man reportedly called police on himself, claiming that a friend had bugged his phone and eyeglasses, leading to a series of bizarre events that resulted in the discovery of cocaine and marijuana in his possession.
According to court documents, Austin A. Stambene, 33, of Colorado Springs, is facing multiple criminal charges following the incident, including cocaine possession, marijuana possession and driving under the influence of drugs.
The situation took place on January 4 when Stambene placed a call to the Laramie County Sheriff’s office from the intersection of Aztec Drive and Christensen Road in Cheyenne, Wyoming, according to an evidentiary affidavit filed. Claiming to be under threat, Stambene informed authorities that someone had been “bugging” his vehicle.
Upon arrival at the scene, Deputy Jason Grover found Stambene sitting in the driver’s seat of a 2002 Lexus ES with Colorado plates, the engine still running.
Stambene explained to Grover that he believed a friend from Colorado Springs was harassing him, specifically mentioning interference with his phone, wallet, clothing and eyeglasses. Stambene then informed Grover that he had taken measures to address the alleged bugging, including getting new glasses, discarding his wallet and debugging his cellphone.
During the interaction, Grover noticed signs of nervousness in Stambene, whose pupils were reportedly constricted.
When asked about his whereabouts, Stambene confirmed that he was in Cheyenne, Wyoming, stating that he did not know anyone in the area but felt compelled to flee from his friend in Colorado Springs. Further questioning revealed that Stambene had consumed cocaine the previous evening in Colorado Springs and had also used marijuana.
Stambene admitted to stopping in Fort Collins for a few hours, where he purportedly smoked cocaine and marijuana simultaneously before continuing his journey to Cheyenne.
Stambene cooperated with authorities and voluntarily disclosed the presence of cocaine in his jacket pocket and marijuana in the trunk of his vehicle. He then assisted deputies in locating the drugs, providing descriptions and aiding in their discovery. Following the search, Stambene consented to having his blood drawn for testing. Meanwhile, Deputy Martinez conducted tests and weighed the suspected cocaine and marijuana found in Stambene’s possession.
The charges against Stambene include felony cocaine possession, misdemeanor marijuana possession and driving under the influence of drugs. The felony for cocaine possession is punishable by up to seven years in prison, along with $15,000 in fines.
The case has been brought before the Laramie County District Court, with Assistant District Attorney Rocky Edmonds overseeing the proceedings.
