Wyoming Reporter Faces 20 Felony Charges Over Alleged Loan Forgery

April Marie Morganroth, also known as reporter Marie Hamilton, accused of forging USDA loan documents and grant approvals

Mar. 26, 2026 at 11:06pm

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A Wyoming-based reporter is facing a total of 20 felony charges, including 10 new counts of forgery and possession of forged writing, after allegedly convincing her landlords that she had been approved for a USDA home loan and grant to purchase and upgrade their property. The reporter, April Marie Morganroth (also known as Marie Hamilton), was already facing 10 felony charges related to submitting forged documents and lying under oath in an environmental case involving a wind farm project she has long opposed.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about the potential misuse of government loan and grant programs, as well as the broader issue of public trust in journalism when reporters are accused of serious crimes. The alleged forgeries also raise questions about the reporter's motivations and whether there were any conflicts of interest in her reporting on the wind farm project.

The details

According to court documents, Morganroth/Hamilton allegedly told her landlords, the Gillis couple, that she and her husband had been pre-approved for a USDA loan and grant to purchase and upgrade the Gillis' property on JJ Road. She provided the couple with forged documents bearing the USDA Rural Development and Neighbor's Bank logos, as well as invoices from construction companies that investigators later determined were also forged. During the lease period, Morganroth/Hamilton was often late with rent payments and did not provide the Gillis couple with regular work logs as promised. When the Gillis couple grew concerned and asked about the progress, Morganroth/Hamilton allegedly sent them more forged invoices.

  • On March 9, 2026, Morganroth/Hamilton was already facing 10 felony charges related to submitting forged documents and lying under oath in an environmental case.
  • On March 25, 2026, the Platte County Attorney's Office filed an additional 10 felony charges against Morganroth/Hamilton, including 5 counts of possession of forged writing and 5 counts of forgery.

The players

April Marie Morganroth

Also known as reporter Marie Hamilton, she is facing a total of 20 felony charges related to alleged forgery and possession of forged writing.

Gillis couple

The landlords of the property on JJ Road that Morganroth/Hamilton allegedly tried to purchase using forged USDA loan and grant documents.

Platte County Attorney Douglas Weaver

Filed the additional 10 felony charges against Morganroth/Hamilton on March 25, 2026.

Converse County Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Peech

Investigated the evidence against Morganroth/Hamilton at the request of Platte County authorities.

Janice Blare

Deputy state director at the USDA Rural Development office, who confirmed that the USDA had not issued the documents Morganroth/Hamilton provided to the Gillis couple.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in Wyoming.”

— Robert Jenkins, Platte County resident

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Morganroth/Hamilton out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights concerns about the potential misuse of government loan and grant programs, as well as the broader issue of public trust in journalism when reporters are accused of serious crimes. It raises questions about Morganroth/Hamilton's motivations and whether there were any conflicts of interest in her reporting on the wind farm project.