WHEATLAND — In a high-profile case that has shaken the local community, Evan Whitt Bradley pleaded not guilty to the 78 new felony charges, in his second case 2025-CR-10, filed earlier this month by the county during his arraignment on July 17, in Eighth Judicial courtroom in Wheatland.
Bradley, a long-time Wheatland resident, operator of a mobile disc jockey business, member of the Wyoming National Guard and former Wheatland High School and Wheatland Middle School music teacher, stood before the court accused of multiple acts of child sexual abuse and exploitation spanning from October 2023 through May 2024. The charges include two counts of sexual exploitation of a child, 44 counts of third-degree sexual abuse of a minor by a person in a position of authority, one count of fourth-degree sexual abuse of a minor and an additional 32 counts of similar third-degree offenses—all allegedly committed in Platte County.
According to the court proceedings, each count of third-degree sexual abuse carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine, while fourth-degree sexual abuse could result in up to five years imprisonment and a similar fine. The sexual exploitation charges are punishable by 5 to 12 years of incarceration and a $10,000 fine per count.
Presiding over the hearing, Judge Edward Buchanan meticulously informed Bradley of his constitutional rights, the seriousness of the charges, and the potential penalties, including the lifelong consequences of felony convictions. These include loss of civil rights such as voting, firearm possession, and employment restrictions, as well as mandatory sex offender registration and DNA submission to the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation.
“My client is a long-time resident, owns a home here in Wheatland, and operates a business with scheduled events through the fall,” Palen argued. “He is a father, a member of the Wyoming National Guard and has no prior criminal convictions.”
However, the prosecution—represented by Platte County assistant district attorney Marel Bunker Roth — opposed the bond reduction, citing the severity and volume of charges and noting that Bradley is also being held in connection with a second identical case. The judge ultimately sided with the state and declined to amend the bond, citing the nature of the allegations, the weight of the evidence, and community safety concerns under criminal procedure statute 46.1.
The court entered not guilty pleas for all 78 counts and issued a criminal case management order, setting a trial date within 180 days to uphold Bradley’s right to a speedy trial.
Protection orders are currently in place barring Bradley from any contact with the alleged victims, including third-party contact or surveillance. The identities of the victims and specific circumstances have not been disclosed due to the sensitive nature of the case and the protection of minors.
Bradley said very little during his court appearance, responding only “yes” or “no” to the judge at various times. As of presstime Monday, Bradley remains in custody at the Platte County Detention Center. Bradley will again appear in court on July 23, starting at 1:30 p.m., relating to his first case, 2025-CR-06 in a 404(b) hearing, which is a routine pre-trail hearing.
As a reminder, under the United States Constitution, all individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
