An arrest warrant has been issued for a Powell man for intentionally or recklessly inflicting physical injury upon a child.  

Juan Luis Marquez, 40, had been released on bond for alleged third and subsequent offenses of possessing a schedule II substance (methamphetamine) and schedule 1 substance (THC).

Marquez’s vehicle was pulled over Sept. 6, 2021, for expired plates while traveling west on U.S. Highway 14A, according to the affidavit.

Highway Patrol Trooper Bill Daugherty reported he smelled marijuana. When originally questioned about the marijuana, Marquez denied having knowledge of any being in the vehicle. According to the affidavit, Marquez eventually admitted to a “roach,” which is the end of a joint. Marquez then allegedly admitted to having substances in his pocket: “two baggies with a white powdery substance, suspected to be methamphetamine, and one suspected marijuna roach.”

Trooper Daugherty’s report states he also found a glass pipe in Marquez’s left pocket. 

The affidavit says Trooper Daugherty also found one scale, 3.8 grams of suspected methamphetamine that was scraped off the scale and one more pipe in the truck. Marquez claimed the methamphetamine and paraphernalia did not belong to him but to his girlfriend, and he was returning it. He admitted to already having three controlled substance convictions according to the affidavit. 

Marquez made bond on Feb. 15 and currently has a jury trial scheduled for Aug. 8.

In addition, on May 24 Park County Sheriff’s Deputy Tyler Patterson responded to a report of alleged child abuse. 

Marquez had allegedly hit his daughter multiple times and choked her with both hands. The Park County Sheriff’s Office was alerted of the abuse by a family member. Deputy Patterson and Deputy Ryan Lawler met the child and family member at the Powell Police Department. Upon arrival, Deputy Patterson noticed swelling and spots of blood on the child’s shirt; the child initially declined medical service. Deputy Patterson was eventually able to convince the child to seek medical care at Powell Valley Healthcare. 

The Park County Sheriff’s Office, Powell Police Department and Wyoming State Troopers looked for Marquez at known locations. An arrest warrant was issued for Marquez on May 25. Marquez remains at large.

Strangulation of a household member, and child abuse are both felonies that each carry up to $10,000 in fines and/or 10 years in prison.

The Powell Police Department website urges the public not to engage with subjects of a warrant and to contact law enforcement.