Clerk resigns — Resignation comes one day after arrest

Editor's note: This story has been updated and may continue to be. 

Weston County Clerk Becky Hadlock has resigned from her position following her April 8 arrest on felony charges related to alleged election misconduct.

In a resignation letter dated April 9 and addressed to the Weston County Commission and the Weston County Republican Party, Hadlock said she was stepping down effective immediately.

“I, Becky Hadlock, the current County Clerk for Weston County, hereby resign from my position as County Clerk effective immediately,” Hadlock wrote.

Hadlock said the decision came after consulting with her family and considering what is best for the county and community.

“After consulting with my family and considering what is best for our County and our community as well as what the public needs and deserves, I have decided that I must step away from my position as County Clerk,” she wrote.

She noted that she intends to focus on “personal matters, including the criminal charges filed against me,” which she described as a “major distraction to the County and its people.”

Hadlock also stated she would take steps to ensure an orderly transition, acknowledging that the county commission must appoint a replacement from three candidates submitted by the Weston County Republican Party.

Her resignation comes one day after she was formally charged in Weston County Circuit Court.

According to court documents filed April 8, Hadlock is charged with one count of violation of election code by an official and one count of falsifying election documents.

Both charges are felonies. The election code violation is punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both, and removal from office. The falsifying election documents charge carries the same potential penalty.

The charges stem from actions Hadlock is alleged to have taken in November 2024 involving election-related duties and documentation, including accusations that Hadlock failed to perform a duty required by election law and knowingly submitted false election records.

An affidavit of probable cause outlines an investigation into post-election audit discrepancies and documentation submitted to the Wyoming Secretary of State’s Office, including concerns about ballot counts and certification processes.

Hadlock was released on a $3,000 unsecured bond, according to an order filed April 8.

As part of the conditions of her release, she is prohibited from discussing the case with potential witnesses and must comply with all court requirements.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 22 at 3:30 p.m. in Weston County Circuit Court.

Separately, a civil case seeking Hadlock’s removal from office is scheduled to begin next week. 

As previously reported, a three-day jury trial in that matter is scheduled to begin April 13 in Weston County District Court following an expedited schedule set by 6th Judicial District Judge Michael J. McGrady. 

The case stems from the same underlying concerns tied to the 2024 general election, subsequent audit discrepancies and broader allegations of misconduct, with the Wyoming Attorney General’s Office seeking her removal under state statute.

At the time of publication, the hearing’s media coordinator Jacob Just said that “we are working to confirm some things” and that he would update the News Letter Journal as soon as possible. 

District Court Clerk Riki Kaiser said in an email that at the time of publication nothing had been filed to update the civil case. 

Update April 10 8:55 a.m. — A status hearing was held at 4:00 p.m. on April 9, according to Kaiser.

Just later reported, the hearing set to begin Monday has been postponed, pending a case dismissal filing anticipated next week. 

Update April 10 12:27 p.m. — In an email to county officials and local news sources, including the News Letter Journal, Amber Prell, Weston County Deputy Clerk, announced a special meeting of the Board of County Commissioners to accept Hadlock's resignation. She noted that the board will also appoint and discuss the duties of the interim clerk. 

This is a developing story and may be updated.