ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. – The trial date for Jennifer “Jennie” Nicole Melvin, the former Green River Main Street/Urban Renewal Agency (URA) Administrator, has been rescheduled to March. The trial, which centers around allegations of embezzlement, will also be presided over by a different judge. Melvin had initially been slated for trial today on charges of stealing over $42,900 from the Flaming Gorge Days (FGD) account and over $34,500 from the Green River URA account. However, the trial date has been vacated and is now set to begin on March 4 at 9 a.m, with a duration of five days.
The change in judges means that Judge Joseph B. Bluemel, who serves in the Third District Court in Uinta and Lincoln Counties, will now oversee the trial. Notably, though, the trial will still be held in Sweetwater County, according to court documents. Prior to the trial, a pre-trial conference has been scheduled for January 29 at 2 p.m.
If found guilty, Melvin could face a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and/or a fine of $20,000. The first count of felony theft alleges that Melvin made unauthorized charges and withdrawals from the FGD account while serving as the URA Administrator between June 2022 and May 2023. These charges were characterized as “out of normal business.” The second count of felony theft pertains to the URA’s Downtown Dollars program, designed to support downtown Green River businesses in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Melvin is accused of making fraudulent payments to a specific business through this program.
The trial proceedings have been closely watched by the community, as Melvin’s alleged actions have had significant financial implications for both the local government and area businesses. The outcome of the trial will determine the extent of legal consequences for Melvin and potentially bring some resolution to affected parties.
In conclusion, the trial date for former Green River Main Street/Urban Renewal Agency Administrator Jennifer “Jennie” Nicole Melvin has been rescheduled to March, and the trial will now be overseen by a different judge. Melvin is facing charges of stealing funds from two accounts and could potentially face a lengthy prison sentence and substantial fines. The trial is expected to shed light on the alleged embezzlement and provide closure to those impacted by Melvin’s actions.