Geissler Enters Not Guilty Plea

A local cowboy entertainer and rancher has entered a not guilty plea to felony charges for soliciting prostitution to a female minor.
At an arraignment hearing on Monday, Kenneth “Val” Geissler pleaded not guilty to charges that he encouraged a minor female to enter into prostitution. The 79-year-old also pleaded not guilty to accusations of forcibly kissing the girl, a misdemeanor carrying up to six months in jail and a $750 fine.
According to an article in the Cody Enterprise, Geissler is accused of writing letters to a 17-year-old female, explaining how she should become a prostitute and perform sexual favors for customers. The letter went into explicit details on how those acts should be done.
Geissler’s attorney, Timothy Blatt, defended Geissler’s reputation and support in the community and described the accusations against him as, “low-level felony charges.” Those charges carry up to five years in jail and a $5,000 fine.
At the hearing, Judge Bill Simpson denied a request by Geissler to give another minor female horse-riding lessons; however, the 79 year old did receive more lenient travel restrictions, allowing him to leave Park County for business purposes. All other previous bond conditions will remain including Geissler’s $25,000 cash bond.
Monday’s arraignment was Geissler’s first in Park County district court after his case was bound over from circuit court. No date has yet been determined for his trial.