Trespassing case against Mike Jimenez dismissed by federal court.

July 2, 2004, additions July 9 and 15

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The criminal trespass and littering charge against Wyoming Wolf Recovery Project Leader Mike Jimenez and Wes Livingston has come to its predicted end -- federal judge Alan B. Johnson dismissed the case in all its aspects.

USFWS writes in its July 2 gray wolf report:

Wyoming Wolf Recovery Project Leader Mike Jimenez and RO Service representatives attended a federal court hearing in Cheyenne, WY on the 30th.  Travel problems caused Bangs to miss the proceedings.  The case involved Wyoming state charges of criminal trespass and littering against the Service.  This past winter Jimenez helped capture and radio-collar 5 members of the Washakie pack when they traveled to Meeteetse, WY far outside their normal home range .  The state [via the Park County, WY] alleged that the wolves were inadvertently captured and immobilized on private land [and left there to recover, hence the littering charge] and that violated state law.  After hearing legal arguments from both sides, the Federal Court rejected the state's claim that the case should be tried in state court in Cody, Wyoming, and dropped all charges against the Service and the employee of the helicopter company that assisted in the wolf radio-collaring effort.  Thanks to the Wyoming Federal Attorney's office for a great job.

The Park County prosecutor went after Mike and Wes personally. It's a tribune to their bravery that they are still out there doing their job.

Ironically even as I write this, 2 Washakie wolves have been "controlled" back in their home range of the Dunoir Valley, and a kill order is out for 2 more because they have killed some calves on the Diamond G, NW of Dubois.  Mike and Wes had collared 4 wolves from this very pack back in February.  Allegations were made that they were "planting" the wolves. 

I wonder if Park County will acknowledge this, and I wonder how much the Park County political stunt cost local taxpayers?

7-9-04. Article on the dismissal. "Judge granted biologist immunity."  By Whitney Royster. Casper Star Tribune.

7-15-04. Editorial Opinion. "Judge dismisses charges in Park County wolf case." By Todd Wilkinson. Billings Outpost.