Casper Man Pleads Not Guilty to Felonies in Drive-by Shooting

A Casper man on Wednesday pleaded not guilty to charges related to his alleged involvement in a May 19 drive-by shooting. 

Matthew Ray Nietert, born in 1993, appeared in Natrona County District Court and pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, property destruction, receiving stolen property and possession of a deadly weapon with unlawful intent.

If convicted of all charges, he could face up to 35 years behind bars.

Prosecutors allege that Nietert and four teens fired at least seven shots into a Casper residence. The shooting took place after one of the teens got into a fight with the homeowner's adult son.

Nietert was allegedly the driver in the shooting.

Natrona County District Court Judge Daniel Forgey reduced Nietert's bond from $100,000 cash or surety to $30,000 cash or surety.

Three of the four teens are being charged as adults but have yet to appear in Natrona County District Court. 

Nietert's trial date has not yet been set.