Crime & Courts
News
Scammers Using Bitcoin ATMs To Steal Thousands From Wyomingites
A Jackson man scammed out of $7,500 wasn’t as lucky as a 78-year-old Gillette woman who narrowly avoided being taken for $22,000 at a bitcoin ATM on Saturday. Bitcoin is as easy to steal as cash, an expert says.
Greg JohnsonJune 04, 2025
Rock Springs Couple Accused Of Having Orgies With Teen To Plead No Contest
A Rock Springs man is facing life while his girlfriend could spend 35 years in prison after both agreed to plead no contest to charges that they had orgies and committed other sexual abuse with a teenager for more than a year.
Clair McFarlandJune 04, 2025
Campbell County Teen Who Stabbed Mom, Prompting Pig Raffle, Pleads Guilty
A Campbell County man faces 20 years to life in prison after he pleaded guilty last week to stabbing his mother in the back while she slept. To cover the cost of the $67,000 air ambulance ride, the family raffled off the man's pigs.
Clair McFarlandJune 03, 2025
Torrington Man Who Brutally Beat Ex As She Held Toddler Gets 20-25 Years
A Torrington man was sentenced to 20-25 years for the beating of his ex-girlfriend last year. She was holding the couple’s toddler when she was attacked. Also part of Andrew Atkinson's sentence was a strangulation charge pertaining to a different woman.
Clair McFarlandJune 02, 2025
North Dakota Woman Accused Of Stabbing Man In Neck While Driving
A North Dakota woman is facing attempted second-degree murder charges after Campbell County Sheriff's Investigators say she stabbed a driver twice in the neck. The woman was on her way to Las Vegas when the stabbing happened.
Jen KocherJune 02, 2025
Wyoming Supreme Court Considers Whether Cheyenne Hospital Liable For Girl’s Death
Cheyenne Regional Medical Center has challenged a lawsuit from the family of a 7-year-old girl, who died after being misdiagnosed. The hospital claims it has no liability because the doctors and nurses involved were contractors.
Justin GeorgeMay 30, 2025
Body Cam Video Shows Casper Woman Pointing Gun At Cops Before She Was Killed
A Casper woman opened her door with a gun in hand and raised it at police officers before she was shot and killed, according to Casper Police Department body cam video released Friday. “Where the **** are my children!” she screamed as she raised the gun.
Clair McFarlandMay 30, 2025
Judge Dismisses Man's Racial Discrimination Lawsuit Against Cheyenne PD
A judge last week dismissed a lawsuit of an African American man who claims racial discrimination and physical aggression during a traffic stop by Cheyenne Police Department officers. He said they accused him of driving drunk when he'd had "not a drop."
Clair McFarlandMay 30, 2025
He Almost Fell For It: Cheyenne Business Owner Exposes High School Sports Team Scam
The owner of a Cheyenne coffee shop almost fell for it, nearly buying a $310 sponsorship of a local high school sports team. But in checking out Elite Sports, he exposed it as a probable scam, even if a company rep insists it’s not.
Jen KocherMay 30, 2025
Husband Charged Six Months After Wife Found Dead In Their Star Valley Home
A Lincoln County man was arrested Tuesday after a six-month investigation into his wife's death. He's accused of attacking her during a drunken argument. The woman had secluded herself in her room after texting a friend that her husband had beaten her.
Clair McFarlandMay 30, 2025
Jury Takes 38 Minutes To Convict Montana Man Who Firebombed Neighbor With Truck
It took a jury 38 minutes to convict a Montana man who transformed his pickup into a firebomb on wheels. He drove it into his neighbor’s house in a deliberate attempt to kill.
David MadisonMay 30, 2025
Homeless Man Accused Of Stabbing In Bar Nunn After Bear-Sprayed During Fight
A 50-year-old homeless man pleaded not guilty Friday in Natrona County District Court to stabbing a 57-year-old Casper man. The violent confrontation included the suspect allegedly wielding a pipe, having several knives and getting bear-sprayed.
Dale KillingbeckMay 30, 2025
Riverton Man Gets 6-12 Years For Drunken Fight That Killed Cousin
A Fremont County man was sentenced Thursday to between six and 12 years in prison for drunkenly beating his cousin to death last March. “I was robbed,” wailed the mother of the victim during the court proceeding.
Clair McFarlandMay 29, 2025
Cody Mom Accused Of Seeking Hit Man To Murder Daughter’s Boyfriend Deemed Sane
A murder trial is set for August for a Cody woman accused of trying to have her daughter’s boyfriend killed. A judge ruled that Wendy Coe, whose last trial derailed when she asked for a mental health evaluation, is mentally fit to stand trial.
Clair McFarlandMay 29, 2025
Former Laramie High Schooler’s Lawsuit Over Masking Tossed For Second Time
A federal judge Wednesday dismissed the lawsuit of a former Laramie High School student who sued her local school district on claims that a 2021 mask mandate was unconstitutional. She was handcuffed and arrested on campus for refusing to comply with it.
Clair McFarlandMay 29, 2025
Child Porn Charges For Cheyenne Man Accused Of Sharing Videos Of Young Girls
A 27-year-old Cheyenne man who has an online handle of “the punk skater” faces child pornography charges. Court documents made available Tuesday say he allegedly had images and videos of young girls engaging in sexual acts with adults and an animal.
Dale KillingbeckMay 28, 2025
Cheyenne Man Repeatedly Put Gun To Teen’s Head Prior To Shooting, Court Records Say
A 21-year-old Cheyenne man repeatedly pulled a handgun from his waistband and put it to a 16-year-old boy’s head before shooting, according to court records. The man initially told investigators the discharge was a “fluke thing.”
Dale KillingbeckMay 28, 2025
Responders ‘Valiantly’ Tried To Save Man Who Died In Teton County Cabin Fire
The lone occupant of a cabin in Teton County was found dead early Wednesday morning after the cabin caught fire, authorities say. A sheriff’s deputy tried to rescue 28-year-old Rollie Wells Knori, but the fire and smoke wouldn’t let the deputy inside.
Clair McFarlandMay 28, 2025
Prosecutor: More Charges Coming For Former Wheatland Teacher Accused In Sex Case
A former Wheatland teacher accused of sex crimes against a girl under 16 is expected to be charged in another criminal case involving a second alleged victim, a prosecutor said Wednesday. A judge also chose to keep Evan Whitt Bradley's bond at $500,000.
Clair McFarlandMay 28, 2025
Judge Blocks Trump's 'Egregious' Order Against Wyoming Tribe's Lawyers
A federal judge has blocked President Donald Trump’s order that sought to punish a law firm that represents the Northern Arapaho Tribe. The firm worked with someone who investigated Trump and supports causes he deems un-American.
Clair McFarlandMay 28, 2025
Gillette Man Guilty Of Exposing Genitalia To Kindergartener In Store Bathroom
A Gillette man could face up to 12 years in prison after being found guilty of exposing his genitalia to a 5-year-old boy in a Walmart bathroom. The jury convicted him last week after a three-day trial.
Clair McFarlandMay 27, 2025
No New Trial For Wyoming Trooper Who Raped Girlfriend
A Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper serving 10-15 years in prison for raping his then-girlfriend in 2021 won’t get a new trial, the Wyoming Supreme Court ruled Friday. Among other claims, he challenged testimony about his “unconventional sexual fetishes.”
Clair McFarlandMay 27, 2025
Cheyenne Man Charged With Shooting Teen In Head While ‘Mishandling’ Handgun
A 21-year-old Cheyenne man was arrested Friday and in court Tuesday, more than two weeks after a 16-year-old was shot in the head. The Natrona County Sheriff’s Office reports both were “mishandling firearms and pointing loaded handguns at one another.”
Dale KillingbeckMay 27, 2025
Mysterious Clues Baffle Police, Family Of Sheridan Man Missing Nearly A Month
A series of mysterious clues hasn’t done much to point police or family to what happened to a 53-year-old Sheridan man missing nearly a month. He typically calls his daughter daily, but hasn’t since April 30 and missed her graduation Sunday.
Jen KocherMay 27, 2025
Collar Of Duty: Training Police K-9s To Serve And Protect Is No Walk In The Park
Getting K-9 officers up to snuff is no walk in the park, as a new class of canine cadets training with the Casper Police Department is learning. These dogs have become an essential asset in the work of interdiction as narcotics hit communities across Wyoming.
Zakary SonntagMay 25, 2025
Family Grows Desperate To Find Gillette Woman Missing More Than A Month
Kelsey Johnson left Gillette in a pickup with a man April 14 and has not been seen since. Her family is growing more desperate to find the 32-year-old, who has been traced to Colorado. "There are no words. It’s devastating,” her father said.
Jen KocherMay 24, 2025
Twice-Deported Man Accused Of Running 18,000 Rounds Of Ammo Still At Large
Federal authorities said Thursday they’re still seeking a twice-deported Mexican national accused of hauling 18,000 rounds of ammunition through Wyoming. He was released on bond in March, then didn’t show for his April 25 court hearing.
Clair McFarlandMay 24, 2025
Rock Springs Couple Who Lost Gender Transition Lawsuit Against School District Appeals
The Rock Springs couple lost a lawsuit claiming their local school district was hiding their daughter’s gender transition from them. They filed an appeal Friday to a higher court.
Clair McFarlandMay 23, 2025
It’s 'Not Unique' For Criminals To Raid Crime Lab Shipments, DCI Chief Says
A Rawlins UPS worker has pleaded guilty to a felony for stealing drugs and other evidence destined for the Wyoming State Crime Lab. Having evidence stolen during transit is “not unique,” the state Division of Criminal Investigation chief told legislators this week.
Clair McFarlandMay 23, 2025
Couple Sues Teton County, Calls $24,000 Homebuilding Fee ‘Extortion’
A couple who paid a $24,325 fee to Teton County government to build a home on property they already owned is suing, calling the charge “extortion.” The fee also is an unconstitutional “taking” without compensation, the lawsuit claims.
Clair McFarlandMay 22, 2025
Oregon Pilot Convicted Of Felony For Hitting Yellowstone Flagger With Jeep
A federal jury convicted a 67-year-old pilot from Oregon on Wednesday for shoving a flagger in Yellowstone National Park backward with his Jeep during a construction delay. He could get up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines for the felony.
Clair McFarlandMay 22, 2025
Federal Judge Blocks Trump's Deep Cuts To Department Of Education
A Massachusetts-based federal judge on Thursday blocked the president’s 2-month-old executive order slashing the U.S. Department of Education in half. The ruling also reinstates terminated department employees.
Clair McFarlandMay 22, 2025
Judge Removes Psychologist From Case Of Sheridan Man Accused In Mother's Death
A psychologist in the case of a Sheridan man accused of murdering his mother, voiced concerns that Israel Melvin was not fit to stand trial. A judge in the case dismissed the evaluator, saying he did not conduct the right test - which was whether the man was insane when his mother died.
Clair McFarlandMay 21, 2025
Cheyenne Man Caught On Call From Jail Trying To Arrange To Move His Meth Stash
A Cheyenne man learned the hard way last week that jailhouse calls are monitored when he was caught trying to arrange to have his meth stash moved. It’s an example of “meth around and find out,” said Sheriff Brian Kozak.
Greg JohnsonMay 20, 2025
Drunk Montana Man Trying To Impress Girls Caught Climbing On Jackson Antler Arch
A drunk Montana man was reportedly trying to impress girls by climbing on one of the famous antler arches at the town square in Jackson, Wyoming. He got a $100 ticket, and his dumb deed posted to social media.
Andrew RossiMay 19, 2025
Drug Dealer Wants His Fatal Fentanyl Overdose Conviction Overturned
A Greybull man convicted of manslaughter for dealing the fentanyl pills that led to another man’s fatal 2023 overdose now says he got bad advice. He wants his 15- to 20-year prison sentence overturned and another chance at trial or a new plea deal.
Clair McFarlandMay 19, 2025
Only 2 Other States Taken By Online Scammers More Than Wyoming, FBI Says
Perhaps it’s the trusting nature of Wyomingites that make them prone to internet scams. The FBI reports that scammers stole more than $43 million from Wyoming in 2024, 230% more than 2023. That makes Wyoming third per capita for losing money to scams.
Jen KocherMay 19, 2025
‘Unknown Male’ Steals Ambulance From Riverton Hospital, Escapes On Reservation
An "unknown male" stole an ambulance parked in front of a Riverton emergency room early Sunday. He fled onto the reservation, hitting a couple law enforcement vehicles, then escaped on foot.
Clair McFarlandMay 18, 2025
Mills Man Walked Out Of Church 15 Years Ago And Never Made It Home
Seth Uptain walked out of a Casper church 15 years ago and never made it home, leaving behind his wallet and belongings. The Mills, Wyoming, man’s disappearance remains a mystery that’s frustrated family, friends and local police.
Jen KocherMay 17, 2025
Fort Laramie Police Chief Charged With Lying On Car Title
The police chief of Fort Laramie is facing criminal charges for allegedly lying to get a vehicle title. His case started with a stop by a Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper while driving a car with the wrong license plate.
Clair McFarlandMay 16, 2025
Lawsuit Claims Wyoming Billionaire, 89, Propositioned Employees For Orgies
Hansjörg Wyss, an 89-year-old Teton County billionaire is being sued in a California court. He’s accused of repeatedly propositioning a woman and her husband who worked for his company to have orgies with him.
Clair McFarlandMay 16, 2025
Casper Man Who Said One Of Two People He Stabbed Was An Accident Pleads Guilty
A 72-year-old Casper man pleaded guilty Friday to stabbing a 41-year-old man in exchange for dropping a second charge for also stabbing a woman. He told police stabbing the woman was an accident.
Dale KillingbeckMay 16, 2025
ICE Arrests Wanted Illegal Mexican National In Casper Operation
ICE officers met with other federal agents just before 4 a.m. Thursday in Casper to plan the arrest of a wanted illegal Mexican National. In what the agency calls the first Wyoming ICE ride-along it knows of, Cowboy State Daily documented the operation.
Clair McFarlandMay 16, 2025
Casper Man, Drinking With Friend, Accused Of Pointing Loaded Pistol At Girls
A 20-year-old Casper man is accused of pointing a loaded 10 mm pistol at a group of three girls at a local skate park Tuesday. He was in court Wednesday, along with a friend he was allegedly drinking with at the time.
Dale KillingbeckMay 15, 2025
Man With ‘Probable’ Mexican Cartel Ties Admits Dealing Meth On Wyoming Reservation
A Mexican national who admits being in the U.S. illegally and “probable” cartel ties has admitted dealing meth on Wyoming’s Wind River Reservation. It was part of a plea deal entered Thursday in U.S. District Court in Casper.
Dale KillingbeckMay 15, 2025
Casper Serial Biter Who Barks Like A Dog Nearly Takes Off Tip Of Deputy’s Finger
A 39-year-old Casper man nearly bit off the tip of a deputy’s finger during his Tuesday arrest. Deemed a “serial biter” by prosecutors, he also barked like a dog during his initial court appearance Wednesday.
Dale KillingbeckMay 15, 2025
30,000 Candles Burn For Sheridan Police Officer, 147 Others Killed In 2024
Sheridan police Sgt. Nevada Krinkee was one of 148 U.S. law officers killed in the line of duty in 2024. They were honored by an estimated 30,000 people at a Tuesday candlelight vigil in Washington, D.C., including the Wyoming delegation.
Grace HansenMay 15, 2025
‘Put The Guns Away’ Pleads Family Of Casper Man Killed In Shootout
Casper authorities expect to file charges related to a Sunday night shooting involving the “mishandling” of a gun. Meanwhile, the family of a man killed in a separate Sunday shooting is pleading for local young people to “put the guns away.”
Dale KillingbeckMay 14, 2025
Bridget Hill Will Conflict Out Of About Half Of Wyoming Supreme Court Cases
It will be six to nine months before the Wyoming Supreme Court’s newest justice can participate fully. That’s because Bridget Hill, who will soon be sworn in as a justice, has represented the state on at least half the appeals the high court is hearing.
Clair McFarlandMay 14, 2025
Mom Accused Of Giving Guns To Sheridan Cop-Killer Gets Plea Agreement
The mother of a man who killed a Sheridan police sergeant in February 2024, has a plea agreement with prosecutors over allegations she gave her son guns. The public can't see her plea since the federal authorities for Wyoming keeps those private.
Clair McFarlandMay 14, 2025
Montana Man Steals Shotgun, Ammo And Body Armor From Cop Cars
A 28-year-old man will spend three years in prison for his 10-day crime spree vandalizing and robbing law enforcement vehicles in Billings, Montana. Among the stuff he stole was a shotgun, ammunition and body armor.
David MadisonMay 14, 2025
Evanston Couple Get 6 Months For Child Abuse In Death Of Baby Found In Filth
An Evanston couple got six months in jail Tuesday for child abuse after the death of their 9-month-old. The sentence comes after a prosecutor conceded there wasn’t enough evidence that their filthy home or neglect associated with it killed the baby.
Clair McFarlandMay 13, 2025
Remains Found By Construction Workers In Cheyenne Field 7 Months Ago Identified
The remains of a man found by construction workers in a field just south of Cheyenne last October have been identified as Roy Arthur Moates of Laramie County. The discovery of his human remains prompted a two-day, 50-person search of the field.
Clair McFarlandMay 13, 2025
Wright Woman Accused Of Torturing Man For Three Days Pleads Insanity
A Wright woman accused of taping a man to a chair and torturing him for three days has entered an insanity plea. She claims in a court filing last week that she had “extreme paranoia” at the time.
Clair McFarlandMay 12, 2025
Casper Man Accused Of Having 30,000 Child Porn Files Pleads Guilty
A 48-year-old Casper man pleaded guilty Monday to eight charges involving child porn, including images involving sadomasochism and bestiality. He was accused of having more than 30,000 files of child porn and will get a maximum 16-year sentence.
Dale KillingbeckMay 12, 2025
‘Crime Bingo’ Results In 9 Montana Felony Cases Being Thrown Out
Nine felony cases connected to Bozeman, Montana, police officers playing “Crime Bingo” have been tossed by the local county attorney. The arrests could be tainted by the potential for officers to make them based on the game.
David MadisonMay 12, 2025
Casper Woman Heard Gunshots, Opened Apartment Door To Find Body At Her Feet
A woman living in an apartment complex in Casper said she heard gunshots in the apartment above hers Sunday night and a plea for someone to call 911. She ran to the door of her building to find the body of a masked man at her feet.
Dale KillingbeckMay 12, 2025
Court Gives Sorority Women 30-Day Deadline In Lawsuit Over Wyoming Trans Member
A Wyoming-based federal judge is giving the women suing their sorority for inducting a Wyoming transgender member 30 days to re-file their lawsuit or give up the case. The women's attorney told Cowboy State Daily they plan to refile the case.
Clair McFarlandMay 12, 2025
Casper Police Investigating Two Separate Shootings Sunday Night
Casper police on Sunday are investigating two unrelated shootings involving two victims at one scene and one at another. All three have been taken to the hospital
Dale KillingbeckMay 12, 2025
Richard Pitt: Wyoming Pilot And Vietnam Vet Who Smuggled Drugs For Pablo Escobar
Richard Pitt grew up in Thermopolis and lived a life straight out of 1980s drug-running movies like “Scarface.” Decades later, he’s coming clean while also divulging details of his sordid career smuggling for the likes of Pablo Escobar.
Jen KocherMay 11, 2025
Laramie County Man Gets Four Years For Mercy-Killing Friend
A Laramie County man was sentenced Friday to four years in prison, for mercy-killing his friend. Court documents say Switzer's friend had a pending criminal case for child pornography, had just increased his life insurance policy and made other end-of-life arrangements.
Clair McFarlandMay 11, 2025
Wyoming Hasn't Executed Anyone In 33 Years, But It's Tried
It's been 33 years since Wyoming Gov. Mike Sullivan stood in his office next to his priest, warring with himself over the execution of convicted serial killer Mark Hopkinson. The state hasn't executed anyone since that day — but it's tried.
Clair McFarlandMay 10, 2025
Teen Who Stabbed 14-Year-Old At Casper Mall Pleads Guilty To First-Degree Murder
The teen who killed a Casper 14-year-old at a local mall last year pleaded guilty Friday to first-degree murder. Bobby Maher was protecting his girlfriend when he was attacked by two other teens, one who held him down while the other stabbed him.
Dale KillingbeckMay 09, 2025
8-10 Years For Casper Teen Who Said ‘I Hope I Killed One’ After Shooting At Homes
A 15-year-old boy who shot into two Casper homes in separate incidents August got eight to 10 years in prison Friday. He reportedly told friends, “I hope I killed one.”
Dale KillingbeckMay 09, 2025
'Poor' Chance Of Settlement In Jackson Hospital Lawsuit Over Gangrene Death
A lawsuit brought against a Jackson-based hospital over the gangrene death of an illegal immigrant has a “poor” chance of reaching a settlement, according to a Thursday filing in the case.
Clair McFarlandMay 09, 2025
Wrong-Way Driver Shuts Down I-90 With Claim Of Bomb In Vehicle
A Gillette man drove the wrong way on Interstate 90 three times Thursday as he led law enforcement on a 70-95 mph chase. He then claimed there was a bomb in his vehicle, but it turned out to be a possibly drug-induced perception of loose and exposed wires.
Clair McFarland & Jen KocherMay 09, 2025
Feds Don't Believe Sheridan Cop Killer Stole Guns From His Mom
A federal prosecutor Wednesday voiced skepticism of a Wyoming woman’s claims that her son stole her guns before he killed a Sheridan police sergeant in February 2024. She’s accused of buying the guns for her son, who is a convicted felon.
Clair McFarlandMay 08, 2025
Men Accused Of Dumping Wyoming Oil Field Waste In Utah Face Multiple Felonies
A pair of oil field waste haulers are accused of trying to cut corners and pocket more money by dumping Wyoming oil field waste near a town in Utah. They face multiple felony charges.
David MadisonMay 08, 2025
Man Accused Of Trashing Kinnear Post Office Faces Less Time Under Federal Charge
Federal charges against the man arrested on suspicion of trashing the Kinnear post office may mean a lighter sentence compared to state charges. His case was moved to federal court Monday.
Clair McFarlandMay 07, 2025
Friend Of Gillette Woman Missing More Than Two Weeks Fears For Her Safety
Gillette resident Kelsey Johnson, 32, was last seen April 14 getting into a pickup at a mobile home in Gillette, and her best friend is afraid for her safety. Johnson is believed to be in the Denver or Greeley area.
Jen KocherMay 07, 2025
Casper Police Say Woman Shot By Officers Answered Door With Weapon In Hand
A woman shot and killed by Casper police may have lured officers to her house and provoked the shooting, Casper police reported Wednesday. She called 911 to report a burglar, but apparently “made the call to elicit the response.”
Dale KillingbeckMay 07, 2025
Thermopolis Police Sergeant Who Triggered Fatal Shootout 2 Years Ago Resigns
The Thermopolis town council accepted the resignation of police Sgt. Mike Mascorro on Tuesday evening. Mascorro broke into a man’s home and triggered a fatal shootout two years ago. The man’s family sued Mascorro and the department last week.
Clair McFarlandMay 07, 2025