Sheriff Appears in Court Over Immigration Records Dispute
CHEYENNE — Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak attended a district court session Thursday at the request of a local judge to clarify his department’s refusal to allow a law firm access to documents related to immigration cases.
Background on the Case Involving Valenzuela Robles
The discussion centered around Mario Fabian Valenzuela Robles, a Mexican national detained by the sheriff’s office after a traffic stop on April 23, during which her vehicle’s taillights and tinted windows raised concerns. Following the traffic violation, Valenzuela Robles was transported to an ICE facility in Aurora, Colorado. Currently, she is out on bond as her habeas case progresses.
Efforts Made by Legal Representatives
Richter & Associates, also known as Richter Immigration, is representing Valenzuela Robles. The firm enlisted Laramie County resident Kevin Lewis as an investigator to assist in gathering relevant documents. Lewis and his attorney made numerous visits to the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office and the Cheyenne Police Department from April 24 to May 27 in pursuit of records about Valenzuela Robles’ detention.
Obstacles Faced in Accessing Records
Initially, they were informed that no arrest or detention reports existed and that identifying Lewis as a representative of Valenzuela Robles was necessary to fulfill their records requests. After submitting an amended request, including appropriate letterhead from Richter & Associates, Lewis was told by the sheriff’s office that the relevant report had not been received.
Rapid Immigration Proceedings Complicate Defense
As the case unfolded, the complaint revealed that Valenzuela Robles’ immigration proceedings were advancing rapidly, underscoring the urgency of obtaining the needed records for her defense. On May 21, Lewis revisited the Cheyenne Police Department, only to learn that it had no involvement in the arrest. He then proceeded to the sheriff’s office, where he eventually obtained documentation of Valenzuela Robles’ arrest.
Contradictory Information and Legal Proceedings
The report created ambiguity, asserting that the Cheyenne Police Department possessed all digital materials related to the case. When Lewis returned with documentation that contradicted this claim, a records official dismissed it as a “complete fabrication.” Following the filing of the lawsuit on June 30, Sheriff Kozak attributed the discrepancies to a clerical error, exacerbated by officers confusing details from two separate arrests.
Court Proceedings and Calls for Transparency
In court, Lewis’ attorney, Drake Hill, criticized the sheriff’s office for withholding records and highlighted a recent change allowing access to the requested digital documents. Hill urged for a thorough investigation and demanded that the sheriff’s office’s computer system be searched for previous evidence to confirm the integrity of procedures used in handling the records request. County Attorney Mark Voss acknowledged the error but emphasized the need for clarity in the records request process, noting that digital documentation carries additional confidentiality concerns.
Judge’s Ruling and the Future of the Case
After hearing arguments, Judge Robin Cooley mandated that all evidence, including arrest reports and digital data, be submitted to the plaintiffs. She instructed that the sheriff’s office computers be searched and directed Hill to propose a review process for both counsel to scrutinize. The judge asserted her commitment to ensuring transparency throughout this legal process. As the case proceeds, Valenzuela Robles remains free on bail while awaiting a determination regarding the legality of her detention.
