Felony stalking trial ends early

WORLAND – Prior to the start of the second day of his jury trial for stalking, a Worland man struck a plea deal with prosecutors that will require him to plead guilty as charged and serve up to five years of supervised probation in return for a possible deferral. He will be able to request a modification after one year.

According to a press release from the Washakie County Attorney’s Office, Joshua Vidlock, 35, was accused of violating a domestic violence protection order by engaging in a course of harassing conduct including text messages, filing false reports, and entering the residence of the petitioner on two separate occasions, his ex-wife Charlene Sherman.

During opening remarks Monday, it was noted that the protection order was filed in February and charges in this case were filed on March 15, 2017, less than a month after the original order was granted.

Deputy County Attorney Anthony Barton had completed questioning Sherman when court was adjourned Monday evening. Tuesday was to begin with Vidlock’s attorney Collin Hopkins cross-examining Sherman, but instead, he approached the state for a possible sentence recommendation should he change his plea. After negotiation and the state conferring with the victim, the defendant changed his plea to guilty and the jury was sent home, according to the release.

The court will hold his guilty plea until the completion of his probation, at which time, it will be dismissed. If Vidlock breaks his probation, his guilty plea may be entered and the case would move to sentencing.

Along with the probation, Vidlock also agreed to pay the costs associated with the trial including the juror fees. Also, he is to have no contact with Sherman but through his attorney for visitation purposes, according to the release.

During the change of plea hearing, Hopkins stated that his client felt this resolution was the best for him, the victim and the children they share.

Barton said he was pleased with the outcome.

“Our main focus was to protect the victim in this case. Mr. Vidlock ultimately admitted to his behavior. With supervised probation and the incentive of a deferral, a safety net is in place. If he violates, he will go to prison. If he is successful, he will be a part of his children’s lives. Mr. Vidlock has a lot riding on this deal. The state and the victim are hoping for success,” Barton said in the release.

Vidlock laid a factual basis by admitting to the harassing text messages and entering the victim’s home twice while under a court order not to do so.

District Court Judge Robert E. Skar ordered a presentence investigation to be completed before he agrees to the plea deal. That process generally takes approximately two months. At the completion of the investigation, a sentencing hearing will be scheduled.

Vidlock still faces seven charges in circuit court including four charges of child endangerment, reckless endangerment, filing a false report, and driving under the influence, according to the county attorney’s office.