Cheyenne Duo Charged With Aggravated Child Abuse

Hefty bonds were set earlier this week for a Cheyenne pair arrested on warrants for aggravated child abuse.

Warrant Execution

According to booking sheets, 36-year-old Stephanie Ann Linke was arrested at a home in the 3600 block of Laramie Street at 10:43 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16, and 34-year-old Michael Christopher Gruchacz was arrested at the Laramie County Sheriff's Office at 1910 Pioneer Avenue about an hour later.

The two were booked into the Laramie County Detention Center and each charged with two counts of aggravated child abuse, a felony punishable by up to 25 years in prison, up to a $10,000 fine, or both.

It's alleged that on or between the period of July 1 through Oct. 16, the two intentionally inflicted substantial mental or emotional injury upon a child under the age of 18 whom they were responsible for by the torture or cruel confinement of the child.

It's also alleged that during the same time period, the two intentionally or recklessly inflicted serious bodily injury upon a child under the age of 18 whom they were responsible for.

Initial Court Appearances

On Monday, Nov. 17, Gruchacz was seen in Laramie County Circuit Court in front of Judge TJ Forwood on his charges.

Gruchacz's Bond Set at $50K Cash

Gruchacz told Forwood he was going to hire his own attorney and Forwood set his bond at $50,000 cash.

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The following morning, Nov. 18, Linke was seen in Circuit Court in front of Judge Antoinette Williams on her charges.

Williams appointed Linke a public defender then asked for the state's position regarding bond.

'Long and Systematic Abuse'

"This (the probable cause affidavit) is some 14 pages eliciting very long and systematic abuse of these children," the state said. "The state believes that $250,000 cash bond is appropriate in this matter."

Linke's Bond Set at $250K Cash

"Your bond is $250,000 cash," Williams told Linke.

Gruchacz and Linke are scheduled to be back in Circuit Court for their preliminary hearings on Monday, Nov. 24, at 10 a.m.

Please remember that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.