In 2018, the diocese hired an investigator who had researched allegations of abuse in numerous dioceses and he concluded that the allegations against Hart were credible.
The former pastor of New Life Tabernacle Church in Casper, Bishop Robert Gilmore Sr., pleaded guilty to one count of indecent liberties with a minor in May 2022.
Cheyenne Bishop Emeritus Joseph Hart's attorney Tom Jubin said Bishop Steven Biegler should know the diocese is not capable with running a criminal investigation.