Prosecutor levels felony charges at Sublette County sheriff
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CHEYENNE, (AP) — Sublette County Sheriff Stephen Haskell faces felony charges alleging he billed the county for uniform purchases placed before he took office early last year.
Natrona County District Attorney Mike Blonigen, acting as special prosecutor, on Tuesday filed three felony and two misdemeanor charges against Haskell in Sublette County Circuit Court.
“I am completely blindsided by these allegations and charges,” Haskell said in a statement released by the sheriff’s office. He added he looks forward to being cleared.
Haskell noted that agents with the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation questioned him about the uniform purchases just weeks after he filed a lawsuit last August against Sublette County Clerk Mary Lankford alleging she was interfering in the operation of the sheriff’s office. Lankford’s husband Dave Lankford served as sheriff before Haskell’s election.
Haskell also said he had understood from county commissioners that they saw nothing improper with how he handled the uniform purchases.
“The only people who truly suffer are the citizens of Sublette County,” Haskell said. “I was elected to perform a specific function as the sheriff of this county, and because I have opinions that differ from theirs, this is how I am treated. It’s a shame that when someone stands up for the people, this is what happens.”
Haskell is set for a preliminary court appearance on Feb. 11 before Circuit Judge Curt A. Haws of Pinedale. Court records don’t reflect that Haskell is represented by a lawyer yet.
