CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Cody Mauch, a Cheyenne man on probation for a prior burglary conviction, received a two- to four-year prison sentence Thursday for violating his probation and committing felony theft. District Judge Peter H. Froelicher revoked Mauch’s probation, citing his recent arrest on new charges as grounds for the decision.
Mauch’s recent charges stemmed from a Sept. 3 incident detailed in an affidavit of probable cause. According to the affidavit, Cody Metheny, the owner of a 2015 Land Rover, reported the vehicle stolen and later located it at a West Lincolnway address.
Upon investigation, Cheyenne Police Officer Muzquiz reported finding Mauch hiding in the back of a semi-truck trailer surrounded by tires, where a bag containing 14 suspected fentanyl pills was also discovered. Mauch admitted to taking the vehicle for a “joyride” and using fentanyl earlier in the day, according to the affidavit.
Under a plea agreement, Mauch pleaded guilty to felony theft, while a separate possession charge was dismissed. The court recommended a concurrent two- to four-year prison sentence for both the probation violation and felony theft charge, acknowledging Mauch’s struggle with addiction and suggesting placement in the Intensive Treatment Unit.
Judge Froelicher, expressing concerns about reinstating Mauch’s probation, stated, “I think at this point you have demonstrated you are not ready for probation. … I don’t think placing you on probation will help you succeed.” Mauch’s sentence includes credit for 110 days served in his probation case and 73 days for the recent theft charge.
