Former Olympian Ryan Wedding Charged with Murder and Drug Smuggling

Ryan Wedding, 44, a former snowboarding competitor at the 2002 Winter olympics, has been arrested and charged with both murder and federal drug trafficking offenses. The charges stem from an investigation into the death of a man in Maine and the subsequent discovery of a large quantity of cocaine allegedly smuggled into the United States.

The murder Charge

According to the Department of Justice, Wedding is accused of murdering Jorge Bustamante, 39, of Scarborough, Maine. The Justice Department announced that Wedding allegedly shot Bustamante on January 17, 2024, in York, Maine. The investigation, conducted by the Maine State Police and the FBI, revealed evidence linking Wedding to the crime scene and the subsequent disposal of evidence.

Drug Smuggling Allegations

In addition to the murder charge, Wedding faces accusations of smuggling cocaine into the U.S. from Canada. Authorities allege that Wedding was involved in a conspiracy to import narcotics. The portland Press Herald reports that a search warrant executed at Wedding’s residence uncovered evidence related to the drug smuggling operation. The specific quantity of cocaine involved has not been publicly disclosed in full detail, but officials have indicated it was a substantial amount.

wedding’s Olympic Background

Wedding represented the United States in snowboarding at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. While he did not medal, his participation marked a meaningful moment in his athletic career. He competed in the men’s halfpipe event. Team USA’s athlete profile details his Olympic experience.Prior to the Olympics, Wedding was a professional snowboarder known for his skills in the halfpipe and slopestyle disciplines.

Current Status and Potential Penalties

Wedding is currently in custody and awaiting trial. He pleaded not guilty to the charges on January 26, 2024. Central Maine reports that if convicted of murder, Wedding could face a sentence of life in prison. The drug smuggling charges carry significant penalties as well, perhaps adding decades to any sentence imposed. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine is prosecuting the case.

Key takeaways

• Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder, has been charged with murder and drug smuggling.
• The murder victim has been identified as Jorge Bustamante of Scarborough, Maine.
• Authorities allege Wedding smuggled cocaine into the United States from Canada.
• Wedding has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is currently awaiting trial.