Sergeant Mascorro placed on administrative leave

At the Tuesday, Oct. 17 Thermopolis Town Council meeting, Police Sergeant Michael Mascorro was put on administrative leave for an undetermined amount of time. A press release issued by Mayor Adam Estenson does not explain why Mascorro was placed on administrative leave.

Mayor Estenson states in the press release, “The Town and Department have fully cooperated with the Wyoming Department of Criminal investigation which released their findings earlier this month. Upon review of the facts and evidence collected by the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation, Special Prosecutor Daniel Erramouspe found no grounds by which to criminally charge Thermopolis Police Sergeant Michael Mascorro in the shooting death of Buck Laramore.”

At the Oct. 3 Town Council meeting it was decided Sergeant Mascorro could be returned to active duty upon being medically cleared, per department and employment policy. Mascorro had returned to active duty on Oct. 5.

The press release further states, “The Town of Thermopolis Police Procedures and Policies have been sent to a third party for review. Any recommendations for updates or changes will be taken seriously. The Town of Thermopolis periodically reviews and updates their policies to ensure our Police Department operates with stringent ethical and procedural expectations. We will continue to do so now and in the future.”

The press release concluded with “Out of further respect for all parties involved, the Town of Thermopolis will not be commenting further on this matter at this time. We will continue to keep the public informed as new information can be shared.”