News

United States Attorney Nicholas Vassallo announced today that SALVADOR SALAS, JR., age 32, of Casper, Wyoming, was found guilty by a federal jury on one count of possession of child pornography and five counts of production of child pornography. The trial lasted three days, January 23-25, 2023, before Chief United States District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl in Casper. Sentencing has been set for April 14, 2023.

The United States Attorney’s Office announced that tonight’s screening in Cheyenne of the documentary, “SEXTORTION: The Hidden Pandemic,” has been cancelled due inclement weather. Laramie County Community College is closing early due to the winter storm. The new date and time is set for 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 24, in the auditorium at Laramie County Community College.

The United States Attorney’s Office is partnering with the Governor’s Human Trafficking Task Force, Uprising, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Wyoming Division of Victim Services to screen the documentary, “SEXTORTION: The Hidden Pandemic,” in communities across Wyoming in the coming months.

Acting United States Attorney Nicholas Vassallo announced today that ROLAND FRENCH, age 48, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was acquitted on December 17, 2022, by a federal jury for illegal possession of a firearm and possession of an unregistered short-barreled shotgun with an obliterated serial number.

The FBI, in partnership with Homeland Security Investigations and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, is issuing a national public safety alert regarding an explosion in incidents of children and teens being coerced into sending explicit images online and extorted for money—a crime known as financial sextortion.

Acting United States Attorney Nicholas Vassallo announced today that TREMAYNE THUNDER, 43, of Crowheart, Wyoming, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. At an arraignment hearing on December 8, 2022, before United States Magistrate Judge Teresa McKee, he pleaded not guilty to the charges. A trial has been set for February 13, 2023.

Acting United States Attorney Nicholas Vassallo announced today that CALEB ENGAVO, 20, of Fort Washakie, Wyoming, was sentenced on December 9, 2022, by Chief United States District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl for assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm. Engavo received 33 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment.   

Acting United States Attorney Nicholas Vassallo announced today that SPENCER DALE COTTRELL, age 51, BRYAN ROLAND FOSTER, age 39, and GAGE MERCER, age 31, all from Rock Springs, Wyoming, have been sentenced by United States District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson for crimes related to improvised pipe bombs. Cottrell was also sentenced for distribution of methamphetamine.

Acting United States Attorney Nicholas Vassallo announced today that PATRICK CHARLES SCHUTZ, 38, of Casper, Wyoming was charged with being a felon in possession of firearms at an arraignment hearing on November 29, 2022, before United States Magistrate Judge Michael Shickich and pleaded not guilty to the charges. A trial has been set for January 23, 2023.

Acting United States Attorney Nicholas Vassallo announced today that MICHAEL LANGLEY 26, of Cheyenne, Wyoming was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, at an arraignment hearing on November 29, 2022, before United States Magistrate Judge Michael Shickich and pleaded not guilty to the charges. A trial has been set for January 17, 2023.

Details on recent sentencings prosecuted by the District of Wyoming. They include Taylon Bain, Andrew Oldman, Wolfe Willow, Troy Painter, Cody Coker, Alsiah Spikes, Joshua Rae, and Kade Casper-Nixon.