TORRINGTON – The Goshen County Circuit Court met in session at precisely 10:30 a.m. Thursday morning for the initial hearing of Torrington man, Seth Freouf (21). Freouf was charged with one count of felony burglary, along with one count of felony theft in accordance with Wyoming state statute. 

District Judge Nathaniel Hibben presided over the hearing with Goshen County and Prosecuting Attorney, Eric Boyer, representing the state of Wyoming.

The proceeding opened with Judge Hibben addressing the defendant regarding possible criminal charges.

“Mr. Freouf you have been arrested on felony information which has been served to you at the detention center,” Hibben began. “The purpose of today is to do an initial hearing and explain what it is you have allegedly done. We will also talk about what you need to do in terms of a lawyer.”

Judge Hibben soon thereafter proceeded to go over said charges with Freouf, explaining in detail maximum Wyoming state penalties if found guilty of theft and/or burglary.

“Mr. Freouf the charging documents reads on count one that on December 12, 2023, you did unlawfully and without authority entered into a camper located at stall number two in Pioneer Park and took from that camper a 50-inch television with mounting brackets, along with an attached DVD player. That is known as burglary, which is a felony, in which you did enter that camper in an attempt to commit theft, another felony. Burglary is punishable by up to 10 years in a Wyoming state penitentiary, along with a $10,000 fine.”

As Freouf listened quietly to state charges with family members sitting directly in attendance behind him, Judge Hibben continued explaining Constitutional Rights in terms of receiving authorized legal defense, as well as acquiescing to the terms of a possible set bond.

“All of these documents have been served to you in which you will go over them with your attorney,” Hibben continued. “If you cannot afford an attorney, you may ask me to appoint you one. You have the right to remain silent, as even now and in future hearings anytime giving up the right to remain silent can be used against you. You have the right to a preliminary hearing to determine probable cause of the events. If so, it can be bound to the District Court for further proceedings. If you can post bond, your preliminary hearing will take place within twenty days. It’s very important to talk to a lawyer quickly, as you are charged with a serious offense and this process moves relatively quickly. Again, your next hearing will take place within twenty days, or even ten from now. You need to have something in place no later than Tuesday, and it will probably happen next week. If you can’t hire a lawyer, I want you to apply for a public defender.

“When I set a bond, it does not mean you are guilty or not guilty but based on the strength of the charges and also the character of the person,” Judge Hibben stated. “Also, I take into account if one is a risk to others in the community. You are not charged with possessions of a dangerous narcotic, but I am faced with a case where you are charged with a dishonest act. An act of stealing or taking from someone without authorization. I’m also faced with a young person, one without a criminal history, who says they want to go to work and provide for a family yet has enough probable cause to believe that you’ve committed a crime. If someone wants to be free, then they should live a law-abiding life. All of those things get baked into this. For this felony it usually starts at $5,000. Are you able to post $1,000 in cash?”

Freouf replied, “Not at the moment.”

Judge Hibben then proceeded to set the defendant’s bail at ten percent of $5,000, setting Freouf’s bond at $500.

“This is a very lenient bond, meaning you must pay $500 to be released,” Hibben said. “If you violate the terms of your bond, you will be rearrested, and the bond then will be something very hard for you to meet. You need to tell us who your lawyer is within five days, and you must keep in contact with your lawyer during the terms of this case. They are not babysitters; they are professionals who are there to give you advice. You will not possess, use, or consume any alcohol or controlled substances except as prescribed to you. If you currently have friends that possess or consume those things, then you need to find new friends. Finally, you must submit to a test and search to ensure that you are not using or consuming alcohol or controlled substances.”

It was duly noted Freouf is currently on unsupervised probation for a prior charge of possession of methamphetamine back in March of 2023. 

When asked by Judge Hibben if he had been staying in regular contact with his probation officer, Freouf responded in the negative.

“I didn’t think I had to,” Freouf said. “I work at the Telegram and help with printing. I have two children who live with me as well as their mother. I’m the only one providing for my children and family right now, so I do need to get back to work as soon as possible. I am the only provider for them.”

In response to both terms and conditions set by the court as well as statements made by the defendant, prosecuting attorney Boyer responded with impartial recognition concerning any risks Freouf may pose as far as elopement or physical danger within Goshen County.

“I just want to inform the court first that this court mentioned Mr. Freouf has convictions prior both of public intoxication and possession of meth,” Boyer stated.

“Obviously Freouf is a very young man but has been a long-term resident of the county with his family and kids here. I assume presently with the court today that the state does not consider Mr. Freouf to be a flight risk. The court would deem it appropriate, given Mr. Freouf is employed and has a family at home to support, that I would ask that he be released on bond.”

Judge Hibben addressed Freouf one last time just prior to concluding the proceeding.

“Those are your rules and listen closely,” Judge Hibben said in the direction of Freouf. “There will be no violation of any laws or court orders in effect. You are going to have a shot, and this is a reasonable bond. If you can’t meet these terms, it will only lead to your detriment.”

The court stood in recess at 10:54 a.m.