A Wyoming man accused of a shocking act of animal cruelty involving a wolf has formally changed his plea to guilty on a felony charge. Cody Roberts, 44, expressed remorse in court on Thursday, March 5, 2026, for his actions which included injuring a wolf with a snowmobile, binding its mouth with tape, and displaying the wounded animal in a rural bar before killing it.
Courtroom Apology and Plea Agreement
During a hearing before District Judge Richard Lavery in Pinedale, Roberts stated, "I sincerely regret my actions and apologize to the community and my family." This marked a significant shift from his initial not guilty plea, with his trial originally scheduled to begin the following Monday.
Under a plea deal filed with prosecutors last week, Roberts would avoid trial and a potential penalty of up to two years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Instead, the agreement stipulates that he would pay a $1,000 fine and serve 18 months of probation.
Strict Probation Conditions Imposed
The probation terms are notably restrictive. Roberts would be prohibited from consuming alcohol, entering any bar or liquor store, and engaging in hunting or fishing activities for the duration of his probation. Judge Lavery indicated he would review the plea agreement before deciding whether to formally accept it.
Details of the Disturbing Incident
The incident occurred in February 2024 in the small town of Daniel, Wyoming, which has a population of approximately 150 people and is located about 50 miles south of Jackson. The case gained widespread attention after photos and video circulated showing the wolf with its mouth taped shut and lying barely moving on a floor.
This visual evidence sparked significant public condemnation and scrutiny of Wyoming's wildlife laws. The state's regulations provide considerable leeway for individuals to kill wolves and other predators using various methods across most of its territory.
Legal Proceedings and Public Reaction
Initially, Roberts faced only a $250 fine for illegal possession of wildlife. However, the case escalated when a rare Wyoming grand jury indicted him on the felony animal cruelty charge last year.
Judge Lavery noted during the hearing that his office had received an overwhelming public response, including "countless" phone calls and over 5,000 emails regarding the case. He emphasized that he had not reviewed any of these communications to maintain judicial impartiality in the proceedings.
The guilty plea represents a pivotal moment in a case that has highlighted tensions between wildlife management practices and animal welfare concerns in the region.
