Trespassing Call at Cheyenne Hotel Leads to Wanted Sex Offender

A 32-year-old Cheyenne transient is facing a felony charge after reportedly failing to register as a sex offender.

According to booking sheets, on Aug. 3, 2024, at about 12:23 p.m., police were dispatched to the Super 8 at 1900 W. Lincolnway for a report of a male and female trespassing.

While en route, police spotted the male, later identified as Leland Michael Rinker, leaving the area with his girlfriend and contacted the couple near the intersection of West 17th Street and Stinson Avenue.

Police say Rinker falsely identified himself multiple times but finally gave them his correct name.

Felony Warrant

Police say Rinker had a warrant out of Laramie County for felony failure to register as a sex offender, which was signed by Circuit Court Judge Sean Chambers on July 19, 2024.

According to the Wyoming Sex Offender Registry, Rinker was convicted in Wyoming on Oct. 17, 2013, for second-degree sexual abuse of a minor.

When police went to handcuff Rinker, he reportedly tried to run, but he was tackled to the ground and, after fighting with officers for some time, placed in handcuffs and the WRAP, a temporary restraining device.

Rinker was then taken to the hospital for medical clearance and booked into the Laramie County Detention Center on his warrant as well as a misdemeanor charge of interference with a peace officer - no injury.

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Rinker was seen on the charges on Aug. 6, 2024, in Circuit Court, during which his total bond was set at $5,000 cash and his preliminary hearing and arraignment were scheduled for Aug. 15, 2024, at 3:30 p.m.

At 4:15 p.m. that afternoon, while in jail, Rinker received a Probation and Parole Board hold without warrant pending parole revocation.

Please remember that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.