A 31-year-old Casper man faces a felony charge in Laramie County for allegedly strangling a female.
According to a booking sheet, Cheyenne police arrested Luke Branson Talbott for misdemeanor domestic battery at 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 29.
Talbott was booked into the Laramie County Detention Center and charged with domestic battery and strangulation of a household member by applying pressure to the throat or neck, both of which are felonies punishable by up to ten years in prison.
Initial court appearance
On Thursday, July 31, Talbott appeared in Laramie County Circuit Court before Judge TJ Forwood on the charges.
Talbott informed Forwood that he would hire his own attorney.
Forwood then requested the state’s recommendation on bond.
“The state is concerned for the victim’s safety in this case. “Obviously, this is a crime of violence,” the state stated. “It looks like he has some prior contacts for interference with a peace officer and due to the nature of these crimes the state believes that $3,000 cash is appropriate.”
“I would like… a surety bond so I can start working, try to prove that this isn’t who I am,” Talbott told Forwood, but Forwood set the bond at $3,000 cash.
Out with Bond
Talbott posted bond the next day, August 1, and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for Monday, August 11, at 11:30 a.m.
Remember that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
How To Get Help
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, contact Safehouse Services in Cheyenne at 307-637-7233.
You can also seek assistance by calling the Wyoming Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-591-9159 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
