Appeal set to begin for former Wyoming sheriff convicted of three felonies
PINEDALE – The Wyoming Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on April 17 for and against a former sheriff’s appeal of his 2016 felony convictions in Ninth District Court.
Stephen R. Haskell, of Big Piney, filed his appeal brief on Jan. 16 with the Wyoming Supreme Court. In it, his attorneys Michael Bennett and Timothy Newcomb argue his constitutional right to a fair trial was denied due to a biased jury.
In a previously unrevealed twist, it says a juror sent a “startling” note to the judge – after the prosecution rested and before Haskell’s defense began – saying he had “heard enough.”
The State Attorney General’s Office replied that it was too late to address potential juror bias. Also, it states, that juror’s bias could have just as easily been in favor of Haskell, the brief says, regardless of the jury’s oath to remain impartial through the trial.
Read more: http://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/appeal-set-to-begin-for-former-wyoming-sheriff-convicted-of/article_56627634-e614-57d7-bb39-412950f964d9.html