Shoshoni, WY – The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office issued a misdemeanor citation to outgoing Mayor Joel Highsmith on Tuesday for unlawful contact after a contentious encounter with mayoral candidate and councilmember Jordan Whitener at the Shoshoni Town Hall.
Background of the dispute
According to Shoshoni Police Chief Christopher Konija, Whitener approached Highsmith in his office following an allegation that Highsmith had engaged in electioneering at the Shoshoni Senior Center polling place earlier that day. The police chief described the allegation as “unfounded.” Highsmith later told WyoFile he never accused Whitener of electioneering, saying, “There was a concern, but he wasn’t,” and added that he was satisfied Whitener was not involved in any wrongdoing.
Konija explained that the concern stemmed from Whitener speaking with voters across the street from the polling place after they had already voted. He emphasized that he did not witness the interaction himself.
Whitener’s account
In an email to WyoFile, Whitener said the conflict originated from Highsmith’s conduct at the polling location. Whitener was reportedly discussing a trailer for sale with a man about 300 feet from the polling place when Highsmith took a photo of them and left. Highsmith later re‑entered the polling place, after which voting officials approached Whitener to ask about the allegations and identify who filed the report.
When Whitener later visited Highsmith’s office at Town Hall, Highsmith called police to have Whitener removed, stating, “I felt that Councilman Whitener was disrupting the town business, and I wanted him to leave.” Whitener accused the mayor of getting “into my face” and repeatedly bumping into him, describing the mayor’s behavior as aggressive and intended to provoke a physical confrontation.
Police response and citation
Chief Konija and two other officers arrived on the scene, separating the two men until a sheriff’s deputy arrived. Konija said the mayor allegedly made physical contact several times, including alleged “chest‑bumping.” Because the incident involved both the mayor and a city council member, the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office assumed immediate jurisdiction over the investigation.
Following the investigation, the sheriff’s office cited Highsmith for unlawful contact, a misdemeanor punishable by a $750 fine and up to six months in jail. When asked if he wanted to press charges against Whitener, Highsmith replied, “Other charges could have been brought. I chose not to.” He also said he did not “knowingly touch” Whitener, adding, “My stomach might have touched him… I’m a short, fat man.”
Aftermath and upcoming court date
Highsmith later texted that Whitener “came into town hall as the aggressor.” He noted his age and health issues, asserting he poses “no physical threat” to the council member. Whitener said he “chose not to engage” and highlighted the physical disparity between himself—215 pounds and regularly working out—and the mayor, who is in his 70s.
Highsmith, who is also running for an at‑large seat on Fremont County School District 24 after losing his primary bid for re‑election as mayor, has a court date scheduled for early December. Police Chief Konija is also a candidate for a school board seat in the same district. Whitener lost his bid for Shoshoni mayor to Ron Ankeny.
Community context
The incident underscores the challenges small towns can face when elected officials clash publicly. Local residents are encouraged to follow the upcoming court proceedings and to stay informed about any further actions taken by the sheriff’s office.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
