CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Judge Catherine R. Rogers presided over multiple cases in Laramie County District Court on Dec. 5, addressing sentencings, arraignments, probation revocations, and status hearings.
Sentencings
- Michael English – English was sentenced on two cases involving interference with a peace officer and strangulation of a household member. Judge Rogers recited a lengthy criminal history, including past felony convictions. English received a sentence of three to five years on each docket count, to run concurrently. He was deemed a qualified offender under the Addicted Offender Accountability Act. Restitution requests were converted to civil judgments, including $15,000 to victim services and $9,502.44 for medical costs. Public defender fees of $750 and court fees were waived due to an inability to pay.
- Treva Lynn Larson – Larson was sentenced to three to five years suspended for three years’ supervised probation for third-offense possession of a controlled substance. The judge noted her progress in substance abuse treatment and encouraged her participation in drug court. “I see a lot of promise in you and for you. It’s going to be hard, but from where I sit, you have everything you need to make this your last go around in court,” Judge Rogers said. Larson must complete treatment, drug court and counseling, with waived public defender fees and court fees totaling $325.
- Elizabeth Martinez – Martinez was sentenced to 18–36 months suspended for two years’ supervised probation on a charge of felon in possession of a firearm. Both the defense and state stood by the plea agreement. She must complete a cognitive thinking program and pay court fees totaling $275. Public defender fees of $500 were also ordered.
- Ashanti Jacur Kelley – Kelley was sentenced to 18–24 months suspended for two years’ supervised probation following a conviction for failing to register as a sex offender. Judge Rogers expressed reservations about Kelley’s suitability for community supervision, stating, “There is a big part of me that wonders if you are a qualified candidate for community supervision.” Kelley must complete a cognitive behavior course and mental health treatment. Court fees totaling $125 and $500 in public defender fees were assessed.
Arraignments
- John Fredrick Lewis – Lewis pleaded not guilty to new charges and denied allegations in his probation revocation case. A trial was set for April, and a bond status hearing is scheduled for Dec. 19.
- Phillip Adam Pineda – Pineda pleaded not guilty to four charges, with a trial set for April. The defense requested a bond reduction to own recognizance, but Judge Rogers indicated it would only be considered with a treatment plan in place.
- Bailee Martinez – Martinez pleaded not guilty in one case and denied allegations in a probation revocation case. Her trial was set for April. Bond was reduced to $1,000 cash concurrent across both dockets, with increased random testing required twice a week.
- Aulisa Felipita Trevino Carabajal – Trevino Carabajal pleaded not guilty to charges, and her trial was set for April.
- Brandon Castellano – Castellano pleaded not guilty and not guilty by reason of mental illness. His trial was set for April.
- Ricard D. Munoz Jr. – Munoz Jr. pleaded not guilty, with his trial set for April.
Probation Revocations
- Diana Valero – Valero admitted to violating her probation due to a new felony conviction in Colorado and failure to pay $825 in fees. Judge Rogers found a factual basis for the admission. The underlying sentence of three to five years was imposed, with disposition set for January.
- Ronald J. McNeill, Jr. – McNeill pleaded guilty under a plea agreement to one count of possession of a controlled substance — methamphetamine — with other charges dismissed. Sentencing and disposition were scheduled for Dec. 19. McNeill faces three to five years imposed across multiple dockets, with some concurrent sentences.
Status Hearings
- Crystal Winemiller – Winemiller’s scheduled conference was vacated and reset for January.
- Kent R. Embree, Jr. – Embree appeared in court, with a scheduling conference set for January.
- Riley Jane Sams – Sams failed to appear for her hearing, and a warrant was issued for her arrest.
- Geronimo Esquibel – Esquibel’s sentencing and bond revocation status hearing were reset for Dec. 19 due to his incarceration in the city of Cheyenne.
- Casey Ott – Ott’s evaluation status was reviewed, with the court approving six months’ supervision with probation and parole. This arrangement awaits further coordination with the Department of Corrections as Ott prepares for a related Circuit Court hearing next week.
