Hysham Couple Face Federal Meth Charges

Two Hysham residents in their 70s are charged with trafficking methamphetamine.

The Billings Gazette reports 72-year-old Thomas Edmond Van Haele and his wife, 71-year-old Karen Williams Van Haele, denied several federal charges during a hearing before U.S. Magistrate Carolyn Ostby on Monday.

Thomas Van Haele pleaded not guilty to conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute and two distribution charges, while his wife pleaded not guilty to conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute and distribution.

Federal prosecutors allege the couple sold more than a pound of meth beginning in February 2012.

Ostby ordered the couple to remain in custody.

State records indicate Thomas Van Haele was sentenced to prison for two felony sex offenses involving children committed in 1991 and that he is required to register as a sex offender.