CHEYENNE, WYO. (CN) - A sheep rancher who shot a bear on his own land, and reported it, demands punitive damages from the Sublette County Sheriff, claiming he was arrested and jailed on the bogus charge of "interference with a police officer," because he told the deputy that he did not want to answer questions without his lawyer present.
Plaintiff James Urbigkit says he was thrown in jail and had to post $1,000 bond for exercising his constitutional right to remain silent. Urbigkit claims that the bogus charge of "interference with a police officer," which a judge dismissed, is outrageous, in light of the fact that he called the police officer himself to report shooting the bear, in his own sheep pasture.
Represented by Frank Chapman with Chapman & Valdez of Casper, Urbigkit demands punitive damages for constitutional violations and emotional distress.
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