7 more face charges in Weber County Jail drug distribution operation

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OGDEN — Seven people have been charged, and at least four more are under investigation, in a gang-related narcotics distribution operation at the Weber County Jail.

Last month, corrections employee Jennica Lee Massie, 38, was accused of being tied to narcotics distribution in the jail and was charged with distributing, offering or arranging distribution of a controlled substance, a second-degree felony.

Weber Morgan Narcotics Strike Force agents and Ogden Metro Gang Task Force detectives said they have been investigating narcotics smuggling at the Weber County Jail, including reviewing phone calls between incarcerated members of the Ogden Trece criminal street gang.

At least 11 inmates were identified as allegedly conspiring with Massie, and seven so far face felony charges related to distributing, offering or arranging distribution of a controlled substance.

Agents and detectives learned Brian Steven Hammerle, 40, was managing the drug distribution while serving time for federal charges, and was supervising other gang members in smuggling narcotics into the jail, according to charging documents. Hammerle is also accused of arranging gun sales between restricted people to benefit the street gang.

Hammerle and others would use euphemisms to describe the drugs, referring to them as work clothes, socks, pants and shirts, the charges state. Cooperating witnesses also told strike force agents that strips of Suboxone, a prescription medicine used to treat opioid addiction, will sell for $5 on the street but go for $300 in jail.

Hammerle faces 21 charges related to the drug distribution. He is charged with engaging in continuing criminal enterprise, a first-degree felony; and 17 counts of distributing, offering or arranging distribution of a controlled substance, 12 first-degree felonies and five second-degree felonies.

Hammerle also faces charges of obstructing justice and possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person, first-degree felonies; and tampering with a witness, a third-degree felony.

Penny Candy Hughes, 47, is charged with four counts of distributing, offering or arranging distribution of a controlled substance, a second-degree felony; and obstructing justice, a first-degree felony. Hughes was previously charged with five counts of possession of methamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl with the intent to distribute, all federal felonies, according to charging documents.

Melissa Michelle Hammerle, 37, is married to Brian Hammerle. She is charged with three counts of distributing, offering or arranging distribution of a controlled substance, a second-degree felony; and obstructing justice, a first-degree felony. Her prior convictions include assault and criminal mischief, class B misdemeanors; and possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, a class A misdemeanor. She was also recently arrested and accused of possession of marijuana and a DUI, according to charging documents.

Jose Luis Sandoval, 26, has been charged with four counts of distributing, offering or arranging distribution of a controlled substance, first-degree felonies.

Brent Levi Vigil, 33, is charged with four counts of distributing, offering or arranging distribution of a controlled substance, three first-degree felonies and one second-degree felony.

Camilla Rose Lorg, 25, has been charged with two counts of distributing, offering or arranging distribution of a controlled substance, a first-degree felony.

Benjamin Leo Zavala-Magana, 20, has been charged with distributing, offering or arranging distribution of a controlled substance, a second-degree felony.

Several others are currently under investigation for involvement in the drug distribution, according to court documents, including Antoinette Sepulveda, Jacob Allen Clark, Cristian Perez-Gonzales and Leo Alejandre.