Laramie County Sheriff Announces Probe Into Legislative Checks Allegations

The Laramie County Sheriff's Office has launched a criminal bribery investigation over reports that checks were given out to Wyoming lawmakers on the floor of the state House of Representatives a few days ago.

The investigation was announced late Saturday afternoon in a release from the sheriff's office. The release says the investigation was prompted by community complaints as well as media reports.

The sheriff's investigation follows a unanimous vote by the Wyoming House on Thursday to look into the incident. The House investigation was launched after Rep.Karlee Provenza [D-Albany County] told House members she saw checks given out to lawmakers on the House floor on Monday after adjournment.

The checks were handed out by Rebecca Bextel, a Teton County GOP committeewoman.

Bextel said on her Facebook page that she was delivering lawful campaign checks from Teton County donors that had been written two weeks ago. She pointed out that she didn't do it while the House was in session and said  "There’s nothing wrong with delivering lawful campaign checks from Teton County donors when I am in Cheyenne."

Sheriff's Investigation Separate From Wyoming House Probe

According to the sheriff's office release:

"The Sheriff’s Office coordinated its intent with local, state, and federal authorities that have concurrent jurisdiction prior to opening the inquiry and may invite their assistance as the investigation progresses. The Sheriff’s Office will investigate criminal conduct within Laramie County to the full extent of its jurisdiction and will provide its findings to the Laramie County District Attorney’s Office for review. Where authority ends, the Sheriff’s Office will coordinate with appropriate local, state, and federal partners. This criminal investigation is separate from any internal legislative reviews and will be conducted so as not to impede the session."

The sheriff's office is asking anyone who may have information on the case to contact them at 307-633-4700.

The release also quotes Sheriff Brian Kozak as saying: “Our community deserves full transparency, and alleged criminal conduct involving our lawmakers deserves no less than a thorough investigation."

In regard to the House investigation, Rep. Daniel Singh [R-Laramie County] told Townsquare Media "The decision to create a committee to investigate was unanimous. When serious allegations like this are made we need to address them. We should look at the facts:"