Albany County Sheriff's Office warns Wyoming residents not to take the law into their own hands

LARAMIE, Wyo. — Albany County law enforcement officials recently had to be reminded not to take the law into their own hands after a group of people began conducting private investigations into Albany County residents.

According to the Albany County Sheriff's Office, the group consisted of non-residents who were attempting to identify people they suspected of committing crimes against children.

“While we recognize the intentions behind these efforts, it is critical to emphasize that these investigations are often conducted in a manner that lacks legal standards, renders the information gathered inadmissible in court, violates citizens’ right to a fair trial and the presumption of innocence, and potentially harms future prosecution efforts,” the sheriff’s office wrote in a news release. “These actions create increased risks to the safety of the parties involved and the community at large.”

Already, local law enforcement is working hand-in-hand with state agencies to investigate child exploitation throughout Wyoming, including in Albany County where the sheriff's office, local police departments and the University of Wyoming Police Department are working with the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Anyone with suspicions or information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to take action by reporting directly to law enforcement. People can submit tips to Wyoming DCI by calling 307-777-7181.

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