CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Judge Peter H. Froelicher presided over various cases in Laramie County District Court on Nov. 14, including hearings on arraignments, bond modifications, plea changes and sentencings.
Must Appear Hearing
- Ann Wallace (Case 2024-CR-36-788) appeared late to court. Her trial was rescheduled for December, with a plea agreement under review.
- Mary Manzanares (Miller) (Case 2024-CR-36-997) failed to appear. A bench warrant was issued, and her bond was revoked.
Arraignments
- Jason Yetter (Case 2024-CR-37-147) pleaded not guilty to one charge. His trial is set for February 2025. Judge Froelicher granted a bond reduction to own recognizance.
- Ronald Kostelecky (Case 2024-CR-37-160) pleaded not guilty to two charges. His trial is scheduled for February 2025.
- Thomas Johnson (Case 2024-CR-37-150) pleaded not guilty to two charges, with trial set for February 2025.
- Bridget Copley (Case 2024-CR-37-135) failed to appear, resulting in a bench warrant being issued.
Change-of-Plea Hearings
- Shane Ryker (Case 2024-CR-36-926) pleaded guilty under a plea agreement to felony-weight possession of fentanyl. The court found a factual basis and dismissed a second count. Ryker faces a maximum penalty of seven years and a $15,000 fine, with sentencing set for January 2025 after a presentence report.
- Christian Jones (Case 2024-CR-36-969) pleaded guilty to unlawful entry into an occupied structure and domestic battery. The court dismissed other charges, found a factual basis and set sentencing for February 2025. A presentence report was ordered, and bond was reduced to own recognizance.
- Noel Gomez (Case 2024-CR-36-964) pleaded guilty to DUI with serious injury, with multiple charges dismissed under a plea agreement. The maximum penalty is 10 years and a $5,000 fine. A presentence report was ordered, with sentencing scheduled for February 2025.
Change of Plea & Probation Revocation Disposition
- Cody Mauch (Cases 2024-CR-36-778 & 2024-CR-37-089) admitted to a probation violation by being arrested on new charges. He pleaded guilty to felony theft under a plea agreement, and Judge Froelicher imposed concurrent sentences of two to four years in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The court credited 110 days served in Case 778 and 73 days in Case 089, highlighting addiction treatment as a primary concern.
Bond Hearing
- Michael Gutierrez (Case 2024-CR-37-078) had a bond modification tabled due to ongoing plea agreement discussions. A change-of-plea hearing is forthcoming.
Motion Hearing
- Dustyn Sweat (Cases 2024-CR-36-747 & 2024-CR-37-075) requested a bond modification for family reasons. The court set concurrent bonds at $3,500 cash or surety, considering the state’s recommendation based on previous absconding.
Sentencing
- Regis Adams (Case 2023-CR-36-567) was sentenced following a plea agreement to three to five years suspended for three years of probation for possession of marijuana with intent to deliver. Adams expressed a desire to support his family, while the presentence report rated him high risk for reoffending. He received credit for 144 days served and was recommended for intensive-supervision probation.
- Jaxon Farella (Case 2024-CR-36-951) pleaded guilty to property destruction over $1,000 under a 301 deferral. Farella’s mother expressed gratitude for his opportunity to make amends, and the court acknowledged his efforts toward restitution and growth. Judge Froelicher ordered one year of supervised probation with $5,521 in restitution and 50 hours of community service.
