JACKSON, Wyo. — William “Ian” Whipple and Timothy Ritter appeared virtually from Teton County Jail this afternoon, Dec. 17 to hear the charges filed against them.
The two men were arrested yesterday, Dec. 16 at their east Jackson rental on charges related to possession and intent to manufacture methamphetamine.
Teton County Circuit Court Judge James Radda set bail at $15,000 cash or surety for Whipple and $50,000 cash or surety for Ritter.
With a cash bail bond, the defendant or one of his family members pays the entire amount in cash to the court or jail. When the defendant shows up for court, they get the full amount back. With a surety bond, the defendant can hire a surety company, commonly known as a bondsman to post the bail on their behalf.
Whipple appeared first, using crutches.
Radda read the three felony counts filed against Whipple: conspiracy to commit controlled substance offense, possession of a controlled substance and possession of controlled substance precursor.
The charges carry possible penalties of up to 20 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines, up to 7 years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines and up to 20 years in prison and $25,000 in fines, respectively.
“I’m not asking you to agree to it or disagree. There is a time and place for you to defend yourself. Im asking if you understand the charge,” Radda said.
Prosecuting Attorney Clayton D. Kainer suggested bail be set at $50,000 cash. “The state anticipated filing additional felony charges based on subsequent investigations,” Kainer said.
Whipple said that he would likely be unable to post bail due to recent financial hardships. Whipple is the owner of Floral Art, a boutique floral design studio in Jackson. He told Radda that he has zero cash on hand and no liquid assets. “I had $29,000 in cash at home but it was seized by the police,” Whipple said.
He said his floral business would likely go under. “Every day that I am out of the shop we lose five to six thousand dollars,” Whipple said.
“I have no business with Mr.Ritter other than a love interest,” Whipple said.
Radda set bail at $15,000 and appointed the public defender to his case.
Whipple took issue with being appointed the public defender, saying she had a conflict of interest due to previous cases he has been involved with.
If Whipple is able to post bail, the conditions include no contact with Ritter, he must participate in Teton County 24/7 program and he can not leave the state of Idaho or Wyoming.
Whipple’s preliminary hearing is set for Dec. 27 at 11 a.m.
Ritter appeared next. He is being charged with two felony counts: conspiracy to commit controlled substance offense and possession of controlled substance precursor. Both charges carry possible penalties of up to 20 years in prison and $25,000 in fines each.
On behalf of the state, Kainer recommended a $50,000 cash bail, based on flight risk concerns. Ritter allegedly failed to appear in court two previous times.
Radda set bail at $50,000 cash or surety. Ritter said he believed he could post bail through a bondsman and said he would hire an attorney.
Radda continued his case until Dec. 21 at 1 p.m. “The purpose of the hearing is to make sure you retain an attorney,” Radda said.
If Ritter is able to post bail terms of his release include submitting to an ethyl glucuronide (EtG) test at least every four days to test for the presence of alcohol or controlled substances. results must be submitted to the prosecuting attorney and the court.
Ritter must reside in Wyoming or his home state of Colorado and may travel to Houston Texas for medical services for his pet bird.
Ritter will be allowed to return to the home he shared with Whipple on the 700 block of East Pearl Ave. one time accompanied by a police officer to retrieve his belongings. He is ordered to have no contact with Whipple while out on bail.
