TORRINGTON – All in attendance at the Goshen County District Court rose to their feet as judge Ed Buchanan took the bench at 10:30 a.m. Monday morning.

With Goshen County and Prosecuting Attorney, Eric Boyer, representing the state of Wyoming; two county men, Kevin Gunhammer, and Luis Sarabia faced felony charges relating to property destruction and assault.

Gunhammer’s arraignment proceeded first with Goshen Public Defender, Eric Palen, representing defense counsel.

Judge Buchanan addressed both the defendant and the court about the current charges Gunhammer was facing.

“Mr. Gunhammer it has been alleged on October 25, 2023, you did knowingly deface, injure, or destroy property belonging to one, Kayleigh Wing, by throwing masonry bricks into a window with damages exceeding $1,000. The damage was caused without consent of the owners, and if found to be true would be a felony property destruction punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.”

Judge Buchanan proceeded to briefly inform Gunhammer of his constitutional rights before proceeding with the arraignment proceeding.

“You are presumed innocent of this, and the state would have to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt,” Buchanan reminded. “You do have the right to present evidence on your own behalf, you have the right to remain silent and you do not have to testify or feel compelled to testify so long as you maintain a plea of not guilty.”

Gunhammer would then enter a plea of not guilty before the court, further requesting permission via defense counsel to continue working in Scottsbluff at a moving business while out on bond; also, while still on probation for a prior infraction until a trial date could be set.

“Your Honor my client is going to plead not guilty,” Palen said. “My client also needs this Thursday to go to work in Scottsbluff to help his boss do some moving. He works for a moving company, moving some items in Scottsbluff, and would like to do that during the day. Would he be able to return and check in with probation to ensure he didn’t do anything to violate his bond while there?”

“If you are already on probation for something else, I need definite dates and time frames,” Buchanan stated. “And I need your boss’s name and number. I will consider this. If I approve it, which I have not yet, you still have to let your probation officer know. Otherwise, that would be a violation of your other probation.”

When Judge Buchanan inquired the reason behind Gunhammer’s first probation the defendant responded, “I can’t remember off the top of my head.”

Gunhammer’s upcoming trial is to be scheduled within the next six months.

The court proceeded to move on to another arraignment case for a second county man, Luis Sarabia.

Sarabia was facing felony aggravated assault and battery charges for threatening two individuals with a deadly weapon.

“Mr. Sarabia, the first count alleges on March 7, 2024, in Goshen County, you did threaten to use a drawn deadly weapon on an individual by the name of Isaac Gonzalez,” Buchanan said. “If that would be true contrary to state statute known as aggravated assault and battery, if you were to plead or be found guilty the charge could carry a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both. The second count is for the same thing only to a different individual. You again threatened to use a drawn weapon on Aaron Jones, also aggravated assault and battery. Both are felony-level charges. Do you understand what you are charged with and understand the maximum penalties?”

Sarabia answered in the affirmative as the court once again went over the constitutional rights of the defendant before being required to enter a plea.

“My client is going to plead not guilty,” Palen stated. “My client is out on bond, is not having any problems, and wishes the court to continue the bond as is.”

In response, prosecution on behalf of the state did not have any discrepancies in reference to bond at this particular time.

“Your Honor, Mr. Sarabia is currently bonded out, and the state would suggest no information of any bond violations,” Boyer stated. “The current $10,000 bond cash assurance is appropriate given the allegations.”

Judge Buchanan addressed the defendant just prior to dismissing the court to recess.

“I will enter a not guilty plea on counts one and two. A criminal case management will be drafted within six months, and there will be a number of deadlines which Mr. Palen will discuss with you as the case progresses.”

The court stood in recess at 11:08 a.m.