McMahon States ‘Conflict’ In Sheriff Complaint

by Tiffany Turner

Sublette County Attorney Lucky McMahon announced at Tuesday’s County Commission meeting her office will not represent the commissioners regarding accusations and complaints made toward Sublette County Sheriff Wayne “Bardy” Bardin.

McMahon said the Wyoming Attorney General advised the county attorney’s office a conflict of interest should be claimed because her office represents the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO).

The county attorney’s office handled terminations cited in the complaints and a deputy county attorney is married to the newly allegedly gained by incidents included in the complaints.

Several current and former SCSO employees wrote the complaints, filed with the county clerk on Aug. 25.

The complaints allege Bardin has violated his position and oath on many occasions by making “deliberate, lewd verbal comments of a sexual nature” to female employees, firing staff illegally and violating SCSO rules of conduct.

Due to the conflict of interest, the commissioners were required to hire a private attorney to represent them in the matters. The commission voted unanimously to hire David Evans, an attorney who has represented the county in matters previously.

Because a private attorney had to be hired and was not present at the meeting, the commission chose to not discuss the situation or allegations at the meeting.

“I think at this point what we will do is accept this as is and speak with our attorney,” Commission Chairman Bill Cramer said.