CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Laramie County Circuit Court processed a series of pleas, probation violations and sentencings on Nov. 8. Judge Antoinette Williams addressed 19 cases covering a variety of charges including DUIs, controlled substance possession and probation violations.
Plea Changes
- Robert Ellis pleaded guilty to a third offense of DUI, with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.3, as part of a plea agreement. Ellis had prior DUI convictions in 2017 and 2019. Judge Williams scheduled his sentencing for Dec. 20.
- Gabriel Crider entered a guilty plea for possession of a controlled substance. While the court has not accepted the plea yet, Judge Williams noted the potential for a deferred sentence under 1037 if Crider completes a one-year probation successfully. Minor charges for possession of alcohol and tobacco were dismissed.
- Katina Jo Velasquez also changed her plea to guilty for possession of a controlled substance in accordance with a plea agreement. Her sentencing is set for Dec. 13.
Sentencings
- Crystal Wilkinson was sentenced to 180 days, with 150 days suspended, for her third DUI offense. Wilkinson must serve two years of probation and pay a $750 fine, and received credit for 87 days already served. Wilkinson’s probation conditions include treatment, and she may enter DUI Court if her treatment proves successful.
- Alissa Arellano admitted to violating her probation, leading to a one-year sentence with 180 days suspended for three years of probation. Arellano also pleaded no contest to pedestrian under the influence and received a 20-day sentence with 205 days credited.
Probation Violations
- Jennifer Enright admitted to violating probation by failing to complete required testing. As a result, her probation was revoked, and she will serve a 90-day sentence with nine days credited for time served.
- Leah Hunter pleaded not guilty to speeding and DUI charges and denied violating her probation for a prior DUI second offense by failing to report for testing. An evidentiary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 22.
Status Hearings
- Bradley Allen Halcott appeared to provide a treatment status update. Judge Williams scheduled a follow-up status hearing for Dec. 10.
- Ronnie Payne had a status hearing after being found fit to proceed with his case. He waived his right to a speedy preliminary hearing, which is now set for Nov. 25.
- Brandon Castellano attended a status hearing after being found fit to proceed in his case. He waived his preliminary hearing, and the case was bound to district court. He was given a $2,000 signature bond after being in custody since December 2023.
Other Cases and Actions
- Anthony Newson had his case rescheduled to Dec. 13 and was ordered by the court to hire an attorney.
- Shawni Boie failed to appear for sentencing, prompting the court to issue a bench warrant.
- Caleb Joshua Frank denied allegations of violating his bond and pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including DUI and possession of a controlled substance. Frank, who awaits sentencing for a separate domestic battery case, has a sentencing date set for Nov. 15.
- Charles Vitem Butler was set for a bench trial on Dec. 3 on charges of driving under suspension and reckless driving after failing to provide a factual basis for a guilty plea.
- Domingo Fabian Vazquez was granted additional time to hire an attorney, with his arraignment reset for Dec. 13.
- Lindsey Brown pleaded not guilty to a charge of second-offense driving under suspension.
- Sarena Linsay Like had her proceedings suspended.
- Heriberto Yanez was given additional time to hire an attorney, and his arraignment was rescheduled for Dec. 13.
- Isaias Preciado Tapia pleaded not guilty to charges of possession of a controlled substance and improper vehicle registration.
