Cheyenne Man Facing Felony Charge Over $50 Jeans Theft

A 35-year-old Cheyenne man is being held on a $10,000 cash bond after allegedly stealing $50 worth of jeans from JCPenney in Frontier Mall.

Warrant for Burglary

According to a booking sheet, James Deboyed Estrada was arrested at his home in the 300 block of East Allison Road at 9:46 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20.

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The arresting Laramie County Sheriff's deputy says Estrada was arrested on a local warrant for burglary, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison, up to a $10,000 fine, or both.

The crime is alleged to have occurred on or about Thursday, Sept. 4.

Initial Court Appearance

On Thursday, Sept. 25, Estrada was seen in Laramie County Circuit Court in front of Judge TJ Forwood on the charge.

Forwood appointed Estrada a public defender and asked the state for recommendation on bond.

"The defendant has failures to appear ... one for 2017 ... four from 2010, two from 2019, one from 2021, one from 2023, and two from 2025 ... theft convictions ... two of them in 2017, one (in) 2019, and one this year ... possession of burglary tools (in) 2018 and 2020, failures to comply from 2017 (and) 2019 ... he was listed as a fugitive in 2018, 2019, and 2023, (and) a probation violation in 2022," the state said.

"In light of that history and the nature of the allegations at hand, the state believes that a $50,000 cash bond will be necessary to keep him in compliance and showing up to hearings like he's supposed to and not disappearing as he has done here so frequently," the state added.

"That's outrageous," Estrada said of the $50,000 bond recommendation, to which Forwood replied, "It's a lot higher than what I was expecting, I'll be honest, but Mr. Estrada, I see a lot of convictions for thefts, especially within the last year. That conduct, to use your same word, can also be seen as outrageous."

The state also confirmed that Estrada had two pending felony cases in Laramie County District Court, each for theft - fifth or subsequent offense.

Bond Set at $10K Cash

"I'm going to set (bond) at $10,000 cash Mr. Estrada," said Forwood. "I know you only stole $50 worth of jeans, but this conduct is way too much."

Estrada's next court date will be a preliminary hearing on Friday, Oct. 3, at 9:45 a.m.

Please remember that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.