A defendant from Decem–ber’s methamphetamine sweep pleaded not guilty to meth distribution and possession charges Tuesday after her lawyer was unable to reach a deal with prosecutors.

Sherry Joanne Bristow, 22, of Craig, appeared for a plea hearing Tuesday in 14th Judicial District Court.

Bristow’s lawyer, public defender Sheryl Uhlmann, said she had been in discussions with prosecutors about a plea deal in the case but was not successful.

“We weren’t able to succeed in our prior negotiations with the prosecution, so we’re essentially starting at zero,” Uhlmann said.

Uhlmann asked Chief Judge Michael O’Hara for a short continuance in the case so she could work on a new plea deal with prosecutors.

O’Hara declined to continue the case because he had already done so four times.

Uhlmann told the judge that she asked for another continuance because Bristow now faces additional meth distribution and possession charges that were filed after the original charges.

Uhlmann said she would like to work on an agreement that addresses both cases.

O’Hara scheduled Bristow’s case for a three-day trial in September.

Bristow was one of 15 people arrested in December in a meth sweep.

Local law enforcement officers and agents from the Greater Routt and Moffat Narcotics Enforcement Team made the arrests after a six-month investigation.

Police say they have evidence that the defendants sold meth to undercover agents or informants.

Brandon Johansson can be reached at 824-7031, ext. 213, or bjohansson@craigdailypress.com.