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Judge Questions Defense in High-Stakes Wolf Cruelty Case

1/29/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A Sweetwater County judge suggested that Cody Roberts' defense interpretation of Wyoming's animal cruelty laws might be too broad.
Roberts faces felony charges for allegedly torturing a wolf, with a jury trial scheduled for March 9, 2024.
The defense attempted to exclude state expert witness Ken Mills, a Wyoming wolf biologist, citing a lack of credentials.
Prosecutor Clayton Melinkovich argued that the animal cruelty laws encompass all animals, including predators.
The trial is anticipated to last five days, with jury selection involving 90 to 100 potential jurors.

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Story summary

A Sweetwater County judge suggested that Cody Roberts' defense interpretation of Wyoming's animal cruelty laws might be too broad.
Roberts faces felony charges for allegedly torturing a wolf, with a jury trial scheduled for March 9, 2024.
The defense attempted to exclude state expert witness Ken Mills, a Wyoming wolf biologist, citing a lack of credentials.
Prosecutor Clayton Melinkovich argued that the animal cruelty laws encompass all animals, including predators.
The trial is anticipated to last five days, with jury selection involving 90 to 100 potential jurors.