District Court News

A pretrial conference was held Tuesday in Fourth Judicial District Court for Eric Weisser of Sheridan. On July 6 of this year, Weisser was arrested and charged with three felonies in relation to drug possession and distribution. The arrest was part of an investigation by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation into a methamphetamine distribution ring in Sheridan. At an arraignment hearing September 12 in District Court, Weisser pleaded not guilty to the charges of endangering children, possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine, and conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance – methamphetamine.

It was determined at Tuesday’s pretrial conference that 50 potential jurors would be brought in for jury selection on Monday, January 8, 2024. The three-day jury trial remains scheduled for January 8-10. A hearing to address several motions that have been filed will take place later this month. The exact date of the motion hearing was not determined at the pretrial conference. If convicted on all three charges, Weisser faces up to 32 years in prison and fines of up to $45,000.

More from Tuesday’s District Court Docket:
A change of plea hearing was held for 35-year-old Arlen Lassen who is charged with multiple felonies involving drug distribution and possession. Pursuant to terms of a plea agreement reached with the State, Lassen pleaded guilty to delivery of a controlled substance to a minor – marijuana, possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine, and endangering children for knowingly and willfully allowing a child, or children, to be present where methamphetamine was being stored. The possession charge is a felony because Lassen has at least three prior drug possession convictions on his record. Lassen was arrested and charged with the crimes on August 12, 2023.

The sentence the State is recommending is a term of 3 to 6 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised probation upon the defendant’s release from prison. Judge Phillips ordered that a presentence investigation be completed by Probation and Parole and scheduled sentencing for February 20, 2024 at 9 am. Lassen’s bond was revoked and he was remanded to the custody of the Sheridan County Detention Center pending sentencing.