Man receives probation for felony burglary

SHERIDAN (WNE) — Kadin Koch, 19, was sentenced to five years probation in 4th Judicial District Court Thursday for committing felony burglary, which is punishable by imprisonment for not more than 10 years, a fine of not more than $10,000 or both.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, on June 17, Koch and two other individuals broke into the Big Horn Y gas station and stole alcoholic beverages. Law enforcement was able to get a warrant to look at Snapchat messages between Koch and another individual in which Koch talked about robbing the store.

During the sentencing hearing, State Attorney Nicholas Vanatta recommended two to three years in the Wyoming Department of Corrections. Defense Attorney Jordan Camino argued that Koch was an acceptable defendant for supervised probation.

Koch was sentenced last January to three years supervised probation for a criminal case that took place in Washakie County on Dec. 22, 2023 through Jan. 25, 2024; According to court documents, the defendant committed the act of solicitation to commit a felony and accessory before the fact. Both charges carry a penalty of two years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $2,000 or both.

District Court Judge Darci Phillips found that five years of supervised probation was appropriate for Koch despite his criminal history.

“I’m taking a chance on a 19-year-old kid with a horrible history,” Phillips said. “Now is the time to get it together.”

If Koch violates his probation, he could serve three to five years in prison.

During probation, Koch will be required to complete substance abuse treatment. He will also be required to maintain full-time employment that could be adjusted if he decides to pursue a college degree.

Koch’s sentence will run concurrent with his sentence from Washakie County.

This story was published on March 28, 2025.