SUBLETTE COUNTY – A felony theft trial set to begin on Jan. 11 in 9^th District Court was vacated after Shane R. Copeland waived his right to a speedy trial within 180 days of his arraignment.

Judge Marv Tyler vacated the trial and it has not been rescheduled.

On Oct. 1, Copeland pleaded not guilty to charges of felony theft of a 2018 Big Tex work trailer and the misdemeanor of unlawful use of registration.

Copeland is part owner of Triple Peak Landscaping.

Sublette County Deputy Attorney Stan Cannon filed the charges after Wyoming High Patrol Trooper Mitch Kannier investigated pavement damages after a ditch trencher loaded onto the trailer pulled by Copeland in his truck broke a strap and rolled off on July 21, according to court records.

Copeland had little to say about the “top of the line” trailer, according to Kannier, who said the vehicle identification number was filed or ground off, the affidavit says. However, the trooper found a “hidden VIN” and learned the work trailer was reported stolen from a truck stop near Cheyenne on Aug. 8, 2018, his affidavit says.

Copeland posted a $5,000 cash bond, which was modified to allow him to work outside Sublette County while staying in the state, records show.

In the meantime, Judge Tyler ordered monthly written “defendant status reports” from defense attorney John LaBuda. On Jan. 4, attorney Rives White reported that Copeland remained employed by his business, celebrated Christmas with his family, lives at the same address and has no violations of his release terms.