Laramie County Inmate Slapped With Felony for Spitting on Deputy

An inmate at the Laramie County Detention Center is facing a felony charge after reportedly spitting on a deputy.

According to a booking sheet, Deputy Valois was collecting lunch trays on Tuesday when 36-year-old Benjamin Louis Wilkinson became angry with her because she wouldn't give him a pen.

Wilkinson then reportedly spit saliva on Valois. Saliva is categorized as a dangerous substance.

Wilkinson was subsequently charged with assault and battery on a corrections or detention officer - propels any dangerous substance, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison, up to a $5,000 fine, or both.

Wilkinson made his initial appearance in Laramie County Circuit Court on Thursday afternoon, during which his bond was set at $500 cash and his preliminary hearing was scheduled for Sept. 19 at 2:30 p.m.

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Wilkinson, a Cheyenne transient, was arrested on July 24 for interference with a peace officer - no injury and failure to stop in a crosswalk, both misdemeanors. The bond in the case was set at $100 cash but never posted.

Please remember that all suspects are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.