Laramie Man Denies Witness Intimidation Charge
A Laramie man accused of attempting to influence a witness in a criminal case through threatening Facebook posts pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Albany County District Court.
32-year-old Brad Curtis Herod is charged with one felony count of influencing, intimidating or impeding witnesses. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Herod’s trial is scheduled to begin May 24.
Court documents say Herod was arrested Dec. 8 after a witness in an active child abuse case against Herod's wife told police that Herod posted angry messages toward her on his Facebook timeline.
Police checked Herod’s public Facebook page Dec. 8 and saw four posts dated Dec. 6 through Dec. 8 in which Herod expressed anger and frustration toward the witness. In at least two of the posts, Herod referenced causing harm to the witness.
The witness reportedly told police that the posts frightened her. She said she and her boyfriend keep their firearms loaded throughout their house in case Herod were to try anything violent.
According to the affidavit, Herod denied writing the posts at first, but later admitted that he did. He reportedly said the posts were directed at his sister and key witnesses in the child abuse case.
In addition, staff at Linford Elementary reported that a student who is a witness in the child abuse case said Herod urged them to talk to the principal and change their story.
Herod is currently out on $10,000 bond and working at a restaurant.