Man accused of injuring deputy headed for trial

By GIL BRADY

The Cowboy Picayune-Sunny Times

Filed 5.14.07

JACKSON, Wyo. (CT) -- The man charged with felony interference for allegedly kicking and injuring Teton County Sheriff’s Deputy Todd Stanyon entered a plea of "not guilty" Friday before 9th District Court Judge Nancy J. Guthrie.

Teton County prosecutors had dropped two of three felonies against Robert Hulsy, 25, last month. But Circuit Court Judge Timothy C. Day bound over the third charge – felony interference with a peace officer – to District Court.

The defendant faces one charge of interference with a peace officer, a felony, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and $10,00 in fines, or both.

Hulsy allegedly kicked Stanyon in the knee as Stanyon and deputy Chad Sachse led him outside the Mangy Moose Saloon in Teton Village around 2 a.m. last March, according to Stanyon and court records.

Prosecuting Attorney Steve Weichman dropped one of the felonies after Sachse testified last month that Hulsy didn't threaten him personally, according to Jackson Hole News & Guide reporter Amanda Miller.

Public Defender Greg Blenkinsop, Husly's former lawyer, successfully argued last month that prosecutors failed to prove the necessary elements of an aggravated assault and battery charge.

According to records and witnesses, Stanyon and Sachse arrived at the Mangy Moose March 14 after dispatch reported a male picking fights with customers and bouncers having trouble containing him. Saloon employees and Hulsy’s roommate, Richard Jenkins, reportedly had already pinned Hulsy face-down on the bar's back deck when deputies arrived.

Stanyon said Friday after court that Hulsy "donkey kicked me" as he and Sachse led him out.

Asked about Hulsy's "not guilty plea" and possible upcoming trial, Stanyon said: "Let him go, we'll prove it."

Stanyon, who still walks with a knee brace, added that his therapy "was coming along" and he hoped to return to light duty soon.

Hulsy's trial date is scheduled for November 7. He is free on $25,000 bond.

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