Ex-Wyoming House Candidate David Kellett Faces 11 Felony Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Counts

David Kellett, a 56-year-old resident of Powell, Wyoming, and a former candidate for the Wyoming House of Representatives, has been charged with 11 felonies tied to the alleged child abuse and sexual abuse of a minor. The counts include one count of felony child abuse, one count of aggravated child abuse, and nine counts of second-degree sexual abuse of a minor. If convicted on all counts, Kellett faces a potential sentence of up to 215 years in prison and fines totaling $110,000.

Where the case stands

Kellett’s case is at the felony level in Park County District Court, having been bound over from Circuit Court after a judge found probable cause. His next scheduled step is an arraignment, where he will formally enter a plea to the charges. No plea or trial verdict has been publicly reported. He has been held at the Park County Detention Center on a $200,000 cash-only bond. The charges are allegations, and Kellett is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

The case surfaced through Wyoming’s child-protection system. According to the charging affidavit, a case worker with the Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS) contacted Powell police on December 3, 2025 to report a juvenile’s disclosure of abuse. Investigator Chris Wallace of the Powell Police Department interviewed the minor the following day. Kellett was arrested on December 12, and under Wyoming law the case remained confidential — with the defendant identified only by initials — until it cleared a preliminary hearing and advanced to district court. The 11 counts were formally filed in an amended complaint on December 23, 2025, the same day the case was transferred to district court. Charging documents indicate the alleged abuse concluded more than a year before it came to law enforcement’s attention. (Cowboy State Daily)

Kellett’s political career includes two unsuccessful bids for the Wyoming House District 25 seat in 2010 and 2012. He helped launch a local chapter of the conservative Tea Party movement in 2009, and in both Republican primaries he was defeated — by Dave Bonner and Dave Blevins, respectively. During his campaigns, Kellett was known for his advocacy of the Health Care Freedom Act, a resolution aimed at resisting federal healthcare mandates by adding a health care autonomy right to the Wyoming Constitution. (Powell Tribune) Although the resolution passed, it was later used to help uphold abortion access in the state. (CNBC) He has not been visibly active in local politics over the past decade. Court filings indicate Kellett filed for divorce in April 2025 and owns an IT company in Powell.

What are the specific allegations against Kellett?

According to court documents, the allegations involve both physical and sexual abuse of at least one minor. The affidavit, signed by Investigator Chris Wallace, states that the juvenile reported frequent sexual abuse along with grooming behavior, and described instances of physical abuse including being struck, having her hair pulled, and being pushed to the ground. Investigators reportedly obtained photographic evidence of a black eye during the investigation. The affidavit is heavily redacted, consistent with Wyoming’s protections for minors and sex-crime cases.

What legal actions have been taken?

On December 23, 2025, Park County Deputy Attorney Ericka Smith filed the amended complaint in Powell Circuit Court, leading to the transfer of Kellett’s case to the felony-level Park County District Court. Circuit Court Judge Joey Darrah found probable cause for the prosecution to proceed and imposed a $200,000 cash-only bond — double the prosecution’s recommendation — citing what he described as a significant flight risk. Kellett’s defense is being handled through the Park County Public Defender’s Office.

How does this case compare to similar incidents involving politicians?

Kellett’s case is not isolated; several politicians have faced similar allegations in recent years. In 2021, Aaron von Ehlinger, a former Idaho state representative, was convicted of raping a legislative intern and sentenced to prison. That same year, Rick Roeber, a Missouri state representative, was expelled from the House following credible allegations of sexual and physical abuse of his children. These cases underscore a troubling pattern of abuse allegations involving individuals in positions of political power. (Wikipedia) For related coverage, see our reporting on crimes against children at The AEGIS Alliance.

What are the broader implications of this case?

The charges against David Kellett highlight the importance of holding public figures accountable, especially where vulnerable individuals are involved. Such cases can erode public trust in political institutions and reinforce the need for robust support systems for survivors of abuse and for the timely reporting and investigation of allegations. As the proceedings continue, the Powell community and the broader public will be watching the case’s developments.

If you suspect child abuse, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or visit Childhelp. All calls are confidential and available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.