Wyoming Man Faces Federal Indictment in Horrific Wolf Abuse Case

A federal grand jury has delivered a serious blow to Cody Roberts, the Wyoming man at the center of a widely condemned wolf abuse incident. Roberts now faces a federal indictment on charges of unlawfully possessing, transporting, and selling a wolf, a significant escalation from the state-level citation he previously received.

The controversy first erupted in February when reports surfaced detailing a truly horrific event.

Roberts was accused of running over a collared female gray wolf from the Absaroka Pack with a snowmobile. Instead of a swift end, the animal was then allegedly subjected to further cruelty, including being paraded in a local bar in Daniel, Wyoming, before its eventual death. The incident sparked immediate and widespread outrage across the nation, with wildlife advocates and the public alike demanding justice for the brutal treatment of the animal.

Initially, Roberts was issued a citation by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department for unlawful possession of live wildlife.

While this confirmed some level of wrongdoing, many felt the penalty was woefully inadequate given the severity of the alleged abuse. The limited scope of state laws in such predator zones often restricts the legal avenues for prosecuting extreme animal cruelty involving wolves.

However, the case garnered national attention, prompting a deeper investigation that ultimately led to federal intervention.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Wyoming announced the federal indictment, which includes two distinct charges: one count of unlawful possession and transport of a wolf, and another count of unlawful sale of a wolf. Each of these federal charges carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine, indicating the severe legal jeopardy Roberts now faces.

The indictment underscores the commitment of federal authorities to address egregious wildlife crimes, particularly those that spark such public outcry.

The focus on the unlawful possession, transport, and sale highlights violations that transcend the initial act of cruelty and delve into the commerce and movement of wildlife outside legal frameworks. As this federal case unfolds, it sends a powerful message about accountability and the protection of wildlife, even in areas where their status may be debated.