On Thursday, Fourth Judicial District Court heard a plea hearing for Dale Pergola, a 24‑year‑old resident of Sheridan. Under a plea agreement with the state, Pergola pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault and battery.
Details of the plea and sentencing recommendation
The state is recommending a sentence of three to six years in prison, suspended, in favor of three years of supervised probation. The agreement is non‑binding, meaning the judge may deviate from the recommendation at sentencing, and Pergola cannot withdraw his guilty plea.
Judicial actions and next steps
District Court Judge Darcy Phillips ordered a pre‑sentence investigation report to be prepared by the Department of Corrections Division of Probation and Parole. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 19 at 9:45 a.m. Pergola’s bond was revoked, and he remains in custody at the Sheridan County Detention Center pending that hearing.
Incident leading to the charge
Police responded to a report of a fight at a residence on Sheridan Avenue on Sept. 13, 2025. Investigators found that Pergola struck an individual with a baseball bat that had nails attached to it. The victim suffered puncture wounds to his torso and hands, along with additional injuries from the assault.
Community response
Local residents expressed concern over the violent nature of the attack, emphasizing the importance of safety in neighborhood disputes. Law‑enforcement officials reiterated that such violent conduct will be prosecuted vigorously to protect community members.
Legal context
Aggravated assault and battery is a felony in Wyoming, carrying significant penalties, including potential prison time and a long‑term criminal record. The court’s consideration of supervised probation reflects a balance between accountability and the possibility of rehabilitation.
What’s next for Pergola
At the Jan. 19 sentencing hearing, the judge will review the pre‑sentence investigation report, consider the state’s recommendation, and decide whether to impose the suggested three‑year supervised probation term or adjust the sentence based on the circumstances.
Sheridan Media will continue to follow this case and provide updates on the outcome of the sentencing hearing.
Original reporting: Sheridan Media (Sheridan WY) — read the source article.
