Bond Set at $1 Million For Green River Man Facing Nine Felonies

Bond Set at $1 Million For Green River Man Facing Nine Felonies

Matthew Riley Culley made his initial appearance in Circuit Court today and heard the nine charges read against him. His preliminary hearing has been set for next Thursday.

GREEN RIVER — A 33-year-old Green River man could face 85 years in prison and $90,000 in fines stemming from an incident that occured with member of the Green River Police Department on June 6.

Matthew Riley Culley made his initial appearance today in front of Circuit Court Judge John Prokos to hear the charges brought against him by the Sweetwater County Attorney’s Office.

While few details were discussed about the alleged incident, Prokos informed Culley about the nine felonies charges he’s facing. One count involves the attempted first-degree murder of Green River Police Sergeant Jesse Nielsen and two counts of aggravated assault and battery against Nielsen and GRPD Officer Zach Owens.

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Chief Deputy County Attorney Teresa Thybo requested a $1 million bond in Culley’s case stating that he’s facing nine separate charges involving a firearm. She also said the alleged incident involved two young boys and four law enforcement officers, and the potential length of prison time Culley faces makes him a flight risk.

Prokos accepted the bond request, and set a preliminary hearing date for Thursday, July 22 at 2 p.m. Culley told the court he will be seeking a public defender in his case.

Other charges against Culley include felonious restraint, two counts of intent to cause bodily harm to a peace officer, and property destruction.