Investigation of internal dispute involving Curley

According to Frank Eathorne, Wyoming Republican Party Chairman, an allegation of assault against Wyoming Republican Party Secretary Charles Curley is “an important issue that is under investigation.”

The allegations surfaced Tuesday when Nate Martin of Better Wyoming issued a statewide release stating “Curley reportedly became angry at Wyoming GOP Executive Director Kristi Wallin as the two of them and others boxed up leftovers from the Laramie County Republican Party's Lincoln Day Dinner on February 23.”

The release states that the two verbally argued, and as Wallin attempted to walk away from Curley, Curley allegedly grabbed Wallin and began violently shaking her, tearing her shirt.

Martin states that his information is based off of interviews from sources in and around the Jonah Building during the Wyoming State Legislature's 2018 budget session.

Curley was contacted Tuesday evening and declined to comment at this time.

According to the Better Wyoming release, Curley has been asked to resign his position with the Wyoming Republican Party and has refused. When asked to respond, Eathorne politely declined to comment regarding that statement.

However, he did explain the process involved during the investigation. Eathorne noted the Republican State Central Committee will meet soon to hear the allegations and evidence then determine if further action should be taken.

“We will be following the due process stated in our by-laws and Robert's Rules of Order,” added Eathorne.

The Better Wyoming release states "Sources say Wallin is potentially reluctant to press charges against Curley because she's afraid of what Curley might do if he's backed into a corner. Others have said Wallin has retained counsel.”

During a phone interview Tuesday evening, Martin said he had been made aware that a police report had been filed with the Cheyenne Police Department. Proof of a police report or a copy of said police report was not available at press time.

Curley has been an active member of the Hot Springs County GOP, serving as Vice Chairman in 2010-11 and Chairman in 2013-14. He served as a delegate to the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio.

Curley refers to his political platform as “Grass roots.”

The Thermopolis Independent Record staff will be following this developing story closely and will issue further developments as they arise.