Encampment man arrested

An Encampment man could be facing more than 10 years in prison following charges of felony child abuse and domestic battery according to documents filed in Carbon County Circuit Court on April 29.

Dustin Gene Buffington was arrested on April 28 and charged with felony child abuse and domestic battery. According to an affidavit completed by Carbon County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Investigator Dale Miller, CCSO Deputy Kelly Finn had been notified by dispatch about a report of an assault at Encampment school on the morning of April 28. Upon arriving at the school, Finn spoke with the school counselor. The counselor, according to the affidavit, said Buffington’s stepdaughter reported she had been beaten by him the night before. Finn was told by the counselor Buffington’s stepdaughter had marks on her shoulders and sore ribs.

In interviews with both Buffington’s wife and his stepdaughter, Finn was informed the incident occured while the family was caring for their fair pigs. While feeding the pigs, one of the animals pushed against a gate and caused it to slam. Buffington’s wife told Finn he “lost it” and pushed her daughter against a wall and “started beating her”. When asked by Finn if Buffington had used closed fists, his wife replied “yes to the ribs”.

As defined under Wyoming State Statute 6-2-503(b)(i), “a person is guilty of child abuse … if a person responsible for a child’s welfare intentionally or recklessly inflicts upon a child under the age of 18 years physical injury”. Further, Wyoming State Statute 14-3-202(a)(ii)(B) states physical injury is defined as “any harm to a child including but not limited to disfigurement, impairment of any bodily organ, skin bruising if greater in magnitude than minor bruising associated with reasonable corporal punishment, bleeding, burns, fracture of any bone, subdural hematoma or substantial malnutrition”.

According to the affidavit, Buffington’s wife told Finn when she had yelled at Buffington to stop, he turned on her. She said when she was backing away from Buffington, she tripped over an object on the floor and landed on her back. Buffington then put his forearm to her neck, holding her in place. When Buffington removed his forearms from his wife’s neck, he began shaking her with both of his arms.

That afternoon, Buffington was arrested on Wyoming HIghway 230 and transported to Carbon County Jail. Speaking with Finn, Buffington talked to the deputy about a teenage child “popping off” and said he finally had enough, according to the affidavit. Buffington denied any abuse of his wife, telling Finn he had pushed her out of the way and they had both tripped and fell.

If convicted, on the charge of felony child abuse, Buffington could face a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine or both. Additionally, if convicted on the charge of domestic battery, he could face up to six months in prison and a $750 fine or both.

He is innocent until proven guilty.