CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Michael Eugene English, 48, was sentenced Thursday in Laramie County District Court for violent felony offenses, including assaulting a peace officer and strangling a household member. Judge Catherine R. Rogers imposed concurrent prison terms of three to five years on each charge.
English’s sentencing stemmed from two separate cases, marked by a history of habitual criminal behavior. He had prior convictions for forgery and possession of a controlled substance. English was deemed a qualified offender under the Addicted Offender Accountability Act. The court waived his court and public defender fees due to his inability to pay.
Charges and incidents
The first case involved an altercation in May 2024, during which English resisted arrest and injured a peace officer. Deputy Martinez reported that English placed his arm around the deputy’s neck, restricting his breathing. The deputy was taken to Cheyenne Regional Medical Center for treatment and was later released. English also made threats against law enforcement officers during and after the arrest.
In the second case, English was charged with strangling his partner during a domestic dispute. The victim reported that English choked her for nearly 45 seconds on two separate occasions. She stated she felt her ribs crack under his knee during the incident. Law enforcement noted visible injuries, including bruises and scratches on the victim, according to the affidavit of probable cause.
Restitution and plea agreement
As part of the sentencing, Judge Rogers said over $24,500 in restitution will be set as a civil judgment, emphasizing that restitution is converted to a civil judgement by law. This amount includes $15,000 for victim services and $9,502.44 for medical expenses.
English agreed to a plea deal, pleading guilty to interference with a peace officer causing injury and strangulation. In exchange, additional charges, including habitual criminal enhancement, were dismissed.
English will serve concurrent sentences, reflecting the terms of his plea agreement. His 207 days of pretrial incarceration were credited toward his sentence.
