The sentencing hearing for a contractor who pleaded guilty to cheating the people of Lusk out of thousands of dollars for unfulfilled home repairs imploded Monday after the man fired his lawyer.
Eighth Judicial District Judge Edward Buchanan voiced frustration over the latest delay in the case, which was filed in late 2024 against Jerold saeman, 40 of Michigan.
It had been set for a Nov. 3 sentencing hearing, Buchanan rescheduled that for Monday to account for bankruptcy proceedings that, he said, left him hopeful Saeman could pay restitution to Lusk residents.
The judge also addressed the dozen-plus spectators sitting in the court gallery.
“I can’t pretend to stand in your shoes and say that I’m as frustrated,” said Buchanan.”I can’t do that because you guys are all here for something you wanted to be resolved a long time ago.
“I understand that, but I have no choice, given what I’ve heard this morning, and under the law, I have to proceed according to the rules.”
If he didn’t follow those rules, Buchanan added, that could complicate and delay the case more.
The judge told Saeman he was bothered because he’d already rescheduled the sentencing hearing for him once because he believed the reschedule would make it likelier that Saeman could repay the local residents.
“And now here we are again,” said Buchanan.
Negative $1.7 Million
Saeman told Buchanan heS dissatisfied with his attorney Joshua Taylor, and doesn’t believe Taylor investigated his circumstances thoroughly before the pair of them were “pushed into a plea deal.”
As for Taylor, his ability to explain his side of the dispute was limited, since he couldn’t divulge confidential attorney-client interactions without his client’s consent.
“Your honor has reminded me many times throughout this case of having a duty of candor to this court.And I take that duty seriously,” said the attorney. “But it’s not my privilege to waive.”
A Thursday court filing, in which Taylor asked permission to withdraw from the case, says Saeman has “made the attorney-client relationship adversarial.”
Buchanan asked for a sense of direction.
Saeman has filled out an affidavit to qualify for a public defender, Taylor noted.
“I would n## Hastings Construction Owner Pleads Guilty to Theft,Faces Potential Deferred Sentence
The owner of Hastings Construction,a Michigan-based company,pleaded guilty to felony and misdemeanor theft charges in Wyoming after facing accusations of taking money for work not completed. This follows a period of financial difficulty for the company, including a bankruptcy filing and business license suspension.
### Background: Financial Troubles and Initial Allegations
Prior to the criminal charges, Hastings Construction and its owner, identified as Saeman in court documents, experienced notable financial challenges. In 2024, the company filed for bankruptcy, reporting liabilities of $911,000. Further compounding the issues, the company’s business license was suspended in 2023, reportedly due to complaints of unfinished work and unpaid contractors.
### Wyoming Theft Charges and Plea Agreement
The legal issues extended beyond Michigan. Niobrara County Attorney Anne Wasserburger filed charges against Saeman in November 2024 and January 2025, alleging 14 counts of felony theft (punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine per count) and one count of misdemeanor theft (punishable by up to six months in jail and a $750 fine).
On August 19, 2025, Saeman pleaded guilty to one count of felony theft and four counts of misdemeanor theft, a reduction from the original charges. According to court documents, a plea agreement was reached, recommending a deferral for the felony charge.
### Deferred Sentence Explained
A deferred sentence means Saeman may avoid a conviction on the felony theft charge if he successfully fulfills the terms of his sentencing. The specifics of those terms were not immediately available, and the agreement is subject to acceptance by Judge Buchanan. If Saeman completes the terms of the deferral, the felony charge will be dismissed. If he fails to comply, he could face the original felony sentence.
### Ongoing legal Process
As of publication, the court is awaiting Judge Buchanan’s decision on the plea agreement. Attempts to reach taylor, the prosecuting attorney, for comment were unsuccessful.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
date: 2025-12-23 05:28:00