Wyoming Wolf Torturer Avoids Jail Time in Controversial Plea Deal
Public outrage has erupted across the United States after a Wyoming man accused of brutally torturing a wolf is set to avoid jail time under a newly negotiated plea agreement. Cody Roberts, 44, faced felony animal cruelty charges for an incident in February 2024 that shocked wildlife advocates and sparked international condemnation.
Details of the Alleged Torture Incident
According to court documents and witness accounts, Roberts allegedly used a snowmobile to deliberately run down a young female wolf named Theia near Daniel, Wyoming. After injuring the animal, he reportedly taped its mouth shut and transported the suffering creature to the Green River Bar, where he displayed it to patrons before ultimately killing it. Disturbing video footage that later went viral showed Roberts kissing the barely conscious wolf while laughing at its distress, with the animal too weak to resist despite baring its teeth.
Legal Proceedings and Plea Agreement
Roberts was originally scheduled to defend himself against felony animal cruelty charges in Sublette County District Court on March 9, but has now agreed to a plea deal that will see him avoid prison time. Under the agreement reached this week, Roberts is expected to:
- Serve 18 months of probation
- Pay a $1,000 fine
- Be prohibited from hunting, fishing, drinking alcohol, or entering bars during his probation period
The agreement must still receive judicial approval, and if Roberts violates his probation terms, he could face enforcement of a suspended prison sentence of up to two years along with additional fines reaching $4,000.
Initial Investigation and Subsequent Indictment
Shortly after the February 2024 incident, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department determined that Roberts' actions did not violate state animal cruelty laws. Instead, they cited him for illegally possessing wildlife and imposed a modest $250 fine. However, public pressure and disturbing evidence led Sublette County Attorney Clayton Melinkovich to convene a grand jury in August 2025, which indicted Roberts on felony animal cruelty charges that carried potential prison time of up to two years.
Public and Official Reactions
The case has generated widespread condemnation from animal welfare organizations, wildlife advocates, and public officials. Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon publicly stated that "cruelty to any wildlife is absolutely unacceptable" and emphasized that "this is not the way anyone should treat any animal." Brian Nesvik, Director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, described the capture and torture of the wild animal as "disgusting."
On social media platforms, animal activists have expressed outrage at the plea agreement. One prominent activist wrote on X: "One of the saddest stories ever of animal torture. This should have been a federal felony charge." Bar patrons who witnessed the incident described feeling sickened by Roberts' actions, with one stating that "evil must be exposed" as justification for sharing the disturbing video publicly.
Legal Maneuvers and Next Steps
Before accepting the plea deal, Roberts attempted to have the case dismissed by arguing that Wyoming's animal cruelty laws exempt predators like wolves. A judge rejected this claim earlier this month, clearing the way for the plea negotiations. Roberts is now expected to withdraw his earlier not guilty plea and enter a plea of guilty or no contest to the felony animal cruelty charge during a change-of-plea hearing scheduled for next week.
At that hearing, County Attorney Melinkovich will present the factual basis for Roberts' guilty plea in accordance with the agreement. While evidence presented to the grand jury remains sealed, Melinkovich has previewed his arguments during earlier court proceedings. The judge retains discretion to reject the plea agreement, which would allow Roberts to withdraw his plea and either proceed to trial or negotiate an alternative deal.
The resolution of this case continues to generate debate about animal protection laws, sentencing for wildlife crimes, and the adequacy of legal responses to acts of animal cruelty that capture public attention and outrage.
