CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Judge Peter H. Froelicher presided over a packed docket in Laramie County District Court on Jan. 9, addressing arraignments, plea changes, probation revocations and sentencings. The proceedings featured nuanced plea agreements, significant bond modifications and a focus on rehabilitation for offenders.
Arraignments
- Chadrick Nickelson – Nickelson pleaded not guilty, and a trial was scheduled for April.
- Douglas Eisenbarth – Eisenbarth pleaded not guilty, with a trial set for April.
- Kelli Leone – Leone pleaded not guilty, with a trial scheduled for April. The judge acknowledged receiving a haircut from Leone in a lighthearted discussion of potential conflicts of interest.
- Greg Branch – Branch pleaded not guilty, and a trial was set for April.
- Aruna Lewis – Lewis pleaded not guilty, with trial proceedings scheduled for April.
Change of Plea
- Allyesha Hernandez – Hernandez pleaded guilty to unlawful entry into an occupied structure under a plea agreement, which includes two to four years suspended for three years of probation and restitution. A factual basis was found, and a presentence report was ordered, with sentencing set for April. Her bond was modified to her own recognizance, with weekly drug testing added as a condition.
- Amos Mora Jr. – Mora pleaded guilty to robbery with bodily injury under a plea agreement recommending 18–24 months imposed and an agreement to testify in co-defendant cases. Sentencing was set for April after the state requested a detailed presentence report to assess Mora’s extensive criminal history. The defense requested a bond modification from $1,500 cash or surety to $1,500 at 10% cash, citing difficulties in obtaining a bondsman willing to travel from Casper for such a small amount. The judge modified the bond to $5,000 at 10% cash, accommodating the defense’s concerns while addressing the gravity of the charges.
Change of Plea & Sentencing
- Matthew Setterstrom – Setterstrom pleaded no contest to charges of child abuse, interference with a peace officer and property destruction under a plea agreement. Sentencing was deferred to later in January or early February to allow the court to gather further information about one of the victims, an officer involved in the interference charge.
Motion for Subpoena Hearing
- Noah Salazar – Salazar’s defense successfully motioned for a subpoena for Ring camera footage from a nearby residence. The court granted the request, which was not opposed by the state.
Sentencing & Probation Revocation Disposition
- Isaac Romero – Romero was sentenced under a plea agreement that originally included two to four years suspended for three years of supervised probation on new charges. However, the judge deviated slightly, sentencing him to three to five years suspended for three years’ probation. Romero’s probation in a separate docket was revoked and reinstated for an additional three years. Despite aggravating factors such as prior felonies and a high risk to reoffend cited in the presentence report, the judge acknowledged Romero’s positive progress in treatment. Romero thanked the court, stating that the experience had positively influenced his life. He was credited with 82 days’ time served and assessed $350 in court costs. He was also classified under the Addicted Offender Accountability Act.
Sentencing
- Mario Antunez – Antunez was granted a deferral under Wyoming statute 35-7-1037 for possession of a controlled substance, with three years of supervised probation. The judge sentenced him to time served on a separate count, with credit for 14 days. Court costs of $325 were assessed, while $500 in public defender fees were waived due to treatment expenses.
