TORRINGTON – The Goshen County District Court met in session at 11:30 a.m. Monday morning for an arraignment hearing of Torrington woman, Kiesean Gunhammer.

Gunhammer was being charged with felony property destruction for having allegedly caused in excess of $1,000 worth of damage to a vehicle.

District judge, Ed Buchanan, presided over the proceedings with Goshen County and Prosecuting Attorney, Eric Boyer, representing the State of Wyoming.

Public defender, Kayla Fozmo, was additionally present in representing the defense counsel of Gunhammer.

Judge Buchanan began the arraignment by mandatorily reviewing the charges as well as the constitutional rights of the defendant.

“We are here today for an arraignment,” Buchanan began. “Is there any other reason this court needs to be aware of any difficulties you may have that would interfere with the proceedings today?”

Gunhammer responded in the negative.

“It has been alleged that on October 5, 2023, you did knowingly deface, injure, or destroy property by throwing masonry bricks into a side vehicle causing significant damage upwards of $1,000,” Buchanan continued. “If found guilty that would be felony property destruction carrying with it a maximum penalty of up to a $10,000 fine, 10 years in prison, or both. So now we will go over your constitutional rights.”

Judge Buchanan made it a point to ask the defendant if she understood fully in regard to maximum penalties, as well as if she had been able to discuss things at length with her legal counsel.

Gunhammer acknowledged her understanding of the charges but expressed there has not been much time of late to discuss the matter further with her defense attorney.

“This is the beginning of the case, so you will have ample opportunity to do that, and you are to be presumed innocent at this time,” Buchanan continued. “You don’t have to prove anything. The burden of proof is always on the State of Wyoming. You do need to know if you choose to testify you are giving up the right to remain silent, would be treated like any other witness, and would be subject to cross-examination under penalty of perjury. Do you have any questions about your rights in this matter?”

After answering in the negative once again, judge Buchanan asked the defense counsel what plea her client wished to enter.

“Your Honor, my client will be entering in a plea of not guilty today,” Fozmo stated.

The district court accepted and entered Gunhammer’s plea of not guilty for the time being, while also asking the state’s prosecution if there were any present issues in terms of bond.

Boyer responded there were currently no issues or concerns on behalf of the state’s prosecution at this time.

Judge Buchanan finished by adding there would be a number of deadlines to be met leading up to a trial date, while the court stood in recess at 11:38 a.m.