A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned an indictment on Wednesday charging a Uintah Basin man with drug and firearm crimes after agents seized a handgun and the primary illicit substance found in “bath salts”, which is a schedule I controlled substance. 51-year-old Bronson Gary Dean, of Duchesne, is a previously convicted felon who received new charges on July 7th. A press release from the U.S. Department of Justice states that according to court documents, on February 23, 2026, North Salt Lake Police stopped a pickup truck after the driver and sole occupant, identified as Dean, committed a traffic violation. Police ordered Dean to exit the vehicle after an officer observed items that appeared to be drug paraphernalia. Police conducted a vehicle search and officers located and seized a variety of drug paraphernalia and suspected marijuana. Officers also located a backpack that contained additional drug paraphernalia including several baggies containing a yellowish granular-type substance, and a black .45 caliber Kahr CW45 handgun, which was reported stolen. Officers also located laboratory grade glassware, condenser tubing, unknown liquids, and more. As a result of the findings, the DEA Clandestine Lab Team was called to respond. Upon arrival, DEA lab team agents determined the glassware and related chemicals were all used in the manufacturing of synthetic cathinones known as “bath salts”. Samples were collected and sent to the laboratory for analysis. Results confirmed the presence of 351.8 grams of Alpha-PVP(alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone), the primary illicit substance in “bath salts”. Dean is charged with felon in possession of a firearm and possession of Alpha-PVP with intent to distribute. His initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for July 27, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Orrin G. Hatch United States Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
