6-2-507. Abuse, neglect, abandonment, intimidation or exploitation of a vulnerable adult; penalties.

(a) Except under circumstances constituting a violation of W.S. 6-2-502, a person is guilty of abuse, neglect, abandonment or exploitation of a vulnerable adult if the person intentionally or recklessly abuses, neglects, abandons, intimidates or exploits a vulnerable adult.

(b) Reckless abuse, neglect, abandonment, intimidation or exploitation of a vulnerable adult is a misdemeanor, punishable by not more than one (1) year in jail, a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), or both, and registration of the offender's name on the central registry.

(c) Intentional abuse, neglect or abandonment of a vulnerable adult is a felony punishable by not more than ten (10) years in prison, a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00), or both, and registration of the offender s name on the central registry.

(d) Exploitation of a vulnerable adult is a felony punishable by not more than ten (10) years in prison, a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00), or both, and registration of the offender s name on the central registry.

(e) As used in this section:

(i) "Abandonment" means as defined in W.S. 35-20-102(a)(i);

(ii) "Abuse" means as defined in W.S. 35-20-102(a)(ii);

(iii) "Caregiver" means as defined in W.S. 35-20-102(a)(iv);

(iv) "Central registry" means the registry established under W.S. 35-20-115;

(v) "Exploitation" means as defined in W.S. 35-20-102(a)(ix);

(vi) "Neglect" means as defined in W.S. 35-20-102(a)(xi);

(vii) "Vulnerable adult" means as defined in W.S. 35-20-102(a)(xviii).