Krauss Sentenced to 36 Months Probation for Arson

SIDNEY--On January 8, 2025 Tessa J. Krauss, formerly of Sidney, was sentenced by the Hon. Judge Derek Weimer in Cheyenne County District Court to 36 months of Intensive Supervised Probation after pleading guilty to one charge of Third Degree Arson, a Class 4 Felony, and one charge of Theft by Receiving Stolen Property, a Class 1 Misdemeanor. She received 24 months of probation on the arson count, and 12 months probation for the Receiving Stolen Property charge, to run concurrently.

Krauss appeared in person for the sentencing hearing. Prior to sentencing, Defense Attorney Don Miller told the judge he had received a letter of support for Krauss from Aulton Burnett, the owner of the property that was set on fire in April of 2024. Miller also said that Krauss was in a treatment program called "The Bridge", and she has been making significant progress in her treatment. He noted that staff members of "The Bridge" have also sent letters on Krauss' behalf attesting to the positive progress she has made while in treatment.

Prosecuting Attorney Dave Wilson requested the sentences be served concurrently and did not object to the probationary sentence. He said that although Krauss is making good progress at the treatment facility, there is always a chance of re-offending, and that she needs to be supervised closely.

Defense Attorney Miller then added that Krauss had serious drug problems in the past but has been making progress in treatment, and she is in phase four of the program and looks to graduate in March of 2025. He noted that Krauss had already served 20 days in jail, and if the judge wants additional incarceration it could be delayed until after she graduates from "The Bridge" program. He also said that she is currently facing another charge in Keith County, and if she completes her treatment program, that charge will be moved to a probationary term.

Before she was sentenced, Krauss addressed the court saying that she was very sorry over the incident, that she is trying to build a better life, and that treatment has enabled her to find a way to accomplish that goal. She said she wants to remain sober and become a productive member of the community.

After she spoke, Judge Weimer then pronounced his sentence. He said, "These are very serious offenses, and the letter by Mr. Burnett did help clear up the issue of the impact of the crime on the victim, as it was his house that was burned. However, people have to understand, that when you start a fire, you have no idea where it's going to go. It's just good fortune that the Sidney Fire Department could contain the fire. These kinds of things could go sideways in ways you never intend."

Weimer then noted that Krauss was taking her treatment path very seriously, but no one knows if you can maintain sobriety, and that only she knows the answer to that question. He said that he was sentencing her to "Intensively Supervised" probation, and his biggest concern was going to be the transition period when she graduates from "The Bridge" program. He said his intention was for her to have a structure set up for herself when she graduates so she doesn't fall back into bad habits. Weimer also sentenced her to 20 days time served.