Cody Roberts poses with a wolf he took possession of in February 2024. The animal was subsequently taken to the Green River Bar. (Screenshot/Instagram)

JACKSON (WNE) — On Monday afternoon, Cody Roberts pleaded not guilty to one count of felony animal cruelty for bringing an injured wolf into the Green River Bar in Daniel and allegedly tormenting it for hours.

The plea came at Roberts’ arraignment, which took place virtually. His trial is set for March 2026.

Felony animal cruelty is punishable by up to two years in prison, a fine of $5,000, or both.

A Sublette County grand jury indicted Roberts in late August, after Sublette County Attorney Clayton Melinkovich requested the proceeding. The 12-member jury heard witness testimony in the second and third weeks of August, deliberated and voted to indict Roberts.

In the immediate aftermath of the February 2024 incident, the Wyoming Game and Fish department charged Roberts with possessing live wildlife, a misdemeanor. He was fined $250.

At the time, state wildlife officials said that animal cruelty laws don’t apply to predators. As such, wildlife advocates view the convening of the grand jury and indictment as a victory already.

“Regardless of the eventual outcome or sentencing in this case, the fact that a grand jury was convened and a felony charge was filed is an undeniable victory for wildlife and for the people of Wyoming who value compassion, ethics and respect for the natural world,” said Kristin Combs, executive director of Wyoming Wildlife Advocates.