CASPER, Wyo. — Provided below are the defendants and charges from appearances in Natrona County Circuit Court on Monday. The Honorable Seventh Judicial Circuit Court Judge Nichole Collier presided while Assistant District Attorney Jeff Meyer represented the state. All defendants entering not guilty pleas or charged with felonies are presumed innocent until convicted or pleading […]
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Natrona County Circuit Court initial appearances (5/17/24)
CASPER, Wyo. — Provided below are the defendants and charges from appearances in Natrona County Circuit Court on Friday. The Honorable Seventh Judicial Circuit Court Judge Kevin Taheri presided while Assistant District Attorney Ashlee Neves represented the state. All defendants entering not guilty pleas or charged with felonies are presumed innocent until convicted or pleading […]
Casper police issue final press release about Tuesday homicide
CASPER, Wyo. — The Casper Police Department has issued a final press release about the homicide that occurred early Tuesday morning in which a 17-year-old girl was shot and a male teenager was arrested. The department understands the ripple effect such an incident, albeit isolated, has on the community, the Friday press release said. “We […]
Sorority sisters in UW transgender lawsuit get day in federal appeals court
by Maggie Mullen, WyoFile DENVER—Standing on the steps of the Byron White U.S. Courthouse on Tuesday, attorney May Mailman accused the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals of “looking to try and find a small reasons to not hear this case.” Mailman’s comments to reporters came less than an hour after she addressed a three-judge panel examining […]
Spike-stripped vehicle engulfed in flames during chase on I-25
The suspect vehicle continued for several miles after being spike stripped and finally stopped when it caught fire.
PHOTOS: St. Anthony’s students argue mock case at real courthouse
CASPER, Wyo. — A federal courtroom in Casper became “The Supreme Court of the Midlands” last week as fifth graders from St. Anthony’s Tri-Parish Catholic School held their annual mock trial. The mock trial is the culmination of a three-month lesson in civics, trial procedure, group work, critical thinking and public speaking. Retired Casper College […]
Federal appeals judges test theory that corner-crossing is not trespassing
by Angus M. Thuermer Jr., WyoFile DENVER—A federal appeals judge Tuesday suggested Congress clearly meant for the public to access federal property in the checkerboard pattern of land ownership in Wyoming as he queried attorneys in a highly watched corner-crossing trespass case here. Senior Judge David Ebel asked how Congress would have answered the question of […]
Natrona County Circuit Court initial appearances (5/14/24–5/15/24)
CASPER, Wyo. — Provided below are the defendants and charges from appearances in Natrona County Circuit Court on Tuesday and Wednesday. All defendants entering not guilty pleas or charged with felonies are presumed innocent until convicted or pleading guilty. Charges may be amended in future proceedings. Pleas on felony charges are not entered in circuit […]
Shooting victim testifies she’s ‘99% sure’ defendant wasn’t gunman
UPDATE: The jury deliberated for less than an hour before delivering a “not guilty” verdict on all three counts. Bernard remains in custody on two other felony cases. CASPER, Wyo. — The woman who called 911 last December to say that Jordan Lee Bernard had just fired a rifle at her testified at his trial […]
Who are the judges hearing Tuesday’s corner-crossing appeal?
by Angus M. Thuermer Jr., WyoFile The judicial panel poised to hear the appeal of a corner-crossing trespass lawsuit comprises three judges appointed separately by presidents Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush and Barack Obama. The panel for the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals will hear arguments Tuesday in Denver when ranch owner Fred Eshelman will argue […]
WBI’s civil rights suit on hold as parties agree to arbitration
The judge’s filing last week staying the case indicated that the parties have agreed to the arbitration process.
Man sentenced to 14–20 years on child sex abuse charges
CASPER, Wyo. — A Natrona County man maintained his innocence Friday before a district court judge handed down a 14- to 20-year sentence for second-degree sexual abuse of a minor. William Frederick Patterson, 28, was convicted on the charge by a jury in January in a trial before District Court Judge Josh Eames. That jury […]
Natrona County District Court notebook (5/7/8/24–5/10/24)
CASPER, Wyo. — The following are arraignments, judgments and sentences rendered in in criminal cases in Natrona County District Court, with links to additional coverage of cases. This is not a comprehensive log and is based on hearings attended by Oil City News, filings provided by the clerk of district court, and information provided by […]
Natrona County Circuit Court initial appearances (5/8/8/24–5/9/24)
CASPER, Wyo. — Provided below are the defendants and charges from appearances in Natrona County Circuit Court on Tuesday and Wednesday. All defendants entering not guilty pleas or charged with felonies are presumed innocent until convicted or pleading guilty. Charges may be amended in future proceedings. Pleas on felony charges are not entered in circuit […]
State files claim on Casper homicide suspect’s $494,303 of alleged drug money
The state says the money was accumulated and used in the furtherance of a marijuana-dealing conspiracy, and is therefore subject to immediate forfeiture.
Man accused of strangulation homicide at motel pleads not guilty
A bloody lamp was found in Mavigliano’s duffel bag; police believe he used the cord to strangle the victim.
Natrona County Circuit Court initial appearances (5/6/24)
CASPER, Wyo. — Provided below are the defendants and charges from appearances in Natrona County Circuit Court on Monday. The Honorable Seventh Judicial Circuit Court Judge Kevin Taheri presided while Assistant District Attorney Maridi Choma represented the state. All defendants entering not guilty pleas or charged with felonies are presumed innocent until convicted or pleading […]
Natrona County District Court notebook (4/23/24–5/3/24)
CASPER, Wyo. — The following are selected arraignments, judgments and sentences rendered recently in the Seventh Judicial District of Wyoming in Natrona County. This is not a comprehensive log and may be updated with filings provided by the Clerk of District Court. Filings from the clerk do not include sentence recommendations or other details included […]
State dismisses charges against coin shop owner
The state filed a motion to dismiss the charges on April 30, stating “it would be in the best interests to do so.”
Natrona County Circuit Court initial appearances (5/1/24–5/2/24)
CASPER, Wyo. — Provided below are the defendants and charges from appearances in Natrona County Circuit Court on Wednesday and Thursday. Senior Seventh Judicial Circuit Court Judge Michael Patchen presided. All defendants entering not guilty pleas or charged with felonies are presumed innocent until convicted or pleading guilty. Charges may be amended in future proceedings. […]
Accessory to fair shooting, drive-by gets 6–8 years, boot camp
CASPER, Wyo. — The Casper teen who pleaded guilty as an accessory to a pair of shootings last summer was sentenced in District Court on Wednesday. Benjamin Jackson-Rocca, 17, was sentenced to six to eight years in prison with a recommendation for the Youthful Offender Transition Program, informally known as “boot camp.” Those who complete […]
Casper man pleads guilty to having child sexual abuse materials
CASPER, Wyo. — A Casper man could spend 10–20 years in prison after he pleaded guilty Wednesday to a subsequent offense of possessing child sexual abuse materials, according to the minutes of a federal court hearing in Cheyenne. Alan Dean Houghton, 63, entered the plea before U.S. District Court Judge Alan Johnson. In exchange for […]
Arizona man nabbed near Casper pleads guilty to federal drug, gun crimes
CASPER, Wyo. — An Arizona man could spend at least 30 years behind bars after pleading guilty in federal court in Cheyenne on Wednesday to drug and gun crimes, according to minutes of the plea agreement. Giovanny Bustamante-Ibarra, who was pulled over for a traffic stop west of Casper in February, pleaded guilty to two […]