Sheridan resident Chris Yager currently stands accused of 2nd Degree Sexual Assault for allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with an adult woman on probation with the Wyoming Department of Corrections. Yager was not her probation officer. According to the accuser, the relationship was consensual and Yager did not exercise any authority to force or coerce her.

Under Wyoming State Law, it is illegal for an employee of a correctional system to be involved with someone under their “control or supervision.”  There is an argument that the law has been misapplied in this case.  However, if the argument is lost there are serious consequences. Currently, the plea agreement is:

• Drop the offense to 3rd Degree Sexual Assault, a suspended prison sentence and two years of supervised probation.
• However, Yager would a convicted felon and a registered sex offender for 25 years. The County Attorney's Office refuses to agree to a "deferred prosecution."
• A “deferred prosecution” would prevent Yager from becoming a felon and registered sex offender.

Chris Yager has been an upstanding member of society. In thirteen years as a probation officer, he never received any disciplinary action and was even named “employee of the year.” Since 2004, he has been actively working in substance abuse prevention to keep our communities and children safe. He has never been arrested prior to this. He has been a contributing member of society and is not a danger or a threat.

We feel the punishment being sought by the Sheridan County Attorney's Office is not appropriate considering the nature of the offense and Yager's prior standing in the community, as well as his personal history should be taken into consideration. We respectfully ask the prosecutors to reconsider and agree to grant Yager a "deferred prosecution" so he may continue being a productive member of society.