CHEYENNE – A local man pleaded not guilty Thursday in Laramie County District Court to 26 charges connected with several burglaries, including a home break-in the day after an alleged homicide, in October and November last year.
Matthew Laganiere was initially arrested Nov. 15, 2017, during a traffic stop following the death of Michael Robbins in a trailer in south Cheyenne. Another man, Cody Hess, is currently facing a single count of voluntary manslaughter in connection with Robbins’ death.
But in information provided through court documents, authorities also accuse Laganiere of breaking into at least two cars and stealing another woman’s credit and debit cards, checkbook and ID in the month before breaking into Hess’ home and stealing a number of items in November.
Laganiere faces four counts of burglary, 12 counts of forgery, one count of felony theft, seven counts of misdemeanor theft and two counts of attempted misdemeanor theft.
If convicted of all of those crimes, Laganiere could face more than 170 years in prison.
Charging documents allege that in October and November last year, Laganiere used a number of stolen debit cards and checks to make more than $3,100 in purchases at various convenience stores, gas stations and Pizza Hut.
He was arrested and accused of breaking into Hess’ home Nov. 15, 2017 – the day after Robbins’ death.
Deputies pulled Laganiere over during a traffic stop and found a box of checks belonging to the Hess family in his car.
They also found miscellaneous coins, a knife sharpener and a hunter safety ID card in his possession, according to charging documents.
At a hearing Thursday, District Judge Catherine Rogers set Laganiere’s trial for August.
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