Crime

2nd-degree murder trial postponed

Submitted by Mia Carlson on Wednesday, March 13th, 3:42 pm

The 2nd-degree murder trial for a 29-year-old St. Maries man who allegedly shot his girlfriend in the head on Christmas morning of 2011 has been temporarily postponed.

According to Benewah County First District Court officials, the process got under way yesterday with jury selection for Joseph Herrera's trial, but they were "not able to come up with enough jurors to conduct the trial."

A status conference is scheduled for March 22nd. In the meantime, court officials will determine whether to put together a new jury summons pool or request a change of venue for the case.

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Former sheriff's deputy sentenced for relationship with 16-year-old girl

Submitted by Mia Carlson on Tuesday, March 12th, 12:44 pm

NEZPERCE, ID - A 31-year-old Kamiah man today was sentenced to 90 days in jail, given credit for 90 days served, placed on six years of supervised probation, and fined $530.50 for having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old girl.

Daniel Funderburg, who is a former Idaho County Sheriff's Deputy, pled guilty under a Rule 11 Plea Agreement in Lewis County's Second District Court to one count of sexual battery - "committed by lewd or lascivious acts on a minor child 16 or 17 years of age." He was arrested on December 5th on a $250,000 warrant.

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Athol man allegedly crashes car into Cd'A airport

Submitted by Jacob Palmer on Friday, March 1st, 12:22 pm

A wild ride through the Coeur d'Alene area early this morning ended with a man in jail and his car crashed.

At about 1 a.m. Friday, a Kootenai County Sheriff's deputy attempted to execute a traffic stop for a stop sign violation on a black Honda Civic at Lacey Avenue and Government Way in Hayden. The driver eventually stopped for the deputy, but as the officer approached, the driver sped away, according to a news release from the Kootenai County Sheriff's Department.

A short pursue ensued, but the deputy discontinued it “due to the fleeing car's excessive speeds" as well as poor weather conditions. The deputy was able to infer that the driver was Jared L. Salamina, 22, of Athol, “based on the driver's actions, and research of the license plate.”

The sheriff's office received an anonymous tip from a caller claiming to have picked up Salamina where he had allegedly crashed his vehicle near the Cd'A Airport. The caller also said that Salamina's parents were going to take him to the hospital.

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Alleged murderer granted continuance

Submitted by Mia Carlson on Thursday, February 28th, 1:24 pm

COEUR D'ALENE, ID - The federal trial for a 48-year-old Winchester man who was indicted for the 1st-degree murder of his mother last June has been continued until September 17th.

Kenneth Broncheau was originally scheduled to stand trial on March 5 in U.S. District Court in Coeur d'Alene, but according to court documents, "the ends of justice for a continuance outweigh the Defendant's and the public's interest in a speedy trial" and "without such continuance defendant's counsel will not have adequate time to prepare, considering due diligence."

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Lewiston man pleads guilty to burglary

Submitted by Kristy Mylroie, Spokane Public Schools Blogger

Tuesday, February 5th, 2013, 4:10pm

COEUR D'ALENE, ID - A 20-year-old Lewiston man today pled guilty in U.S. District Court to a March 2012 burglary. According to the plea agreement, on two separate occasions Stefan Hiebert, an enrolled member of the Nez Perce Tribe, burglarized a barn located on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation, with the intent to steal elk and deer antlers and sheds he knew to be inside.

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Sen. Crapo asks for contituents' forgiveness

Submitted by Jacob Palmer on Friday, January 4th, 3:20 pm

In a lengthy statement released after his court appearance, Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo apologized to his constituents for his lapse of judgment that led to his Dec. 23 arrest for drunken driving in Alexandria, Va., a suburb of Washington, D.C.

"I offer my apologies, ask for your forgiveness for my recent failings and I make a firm commitment that I will strive to regain the trust that I have lost,” the statement read.

The senator then explains his actions: "I have on occassion had alcoholic drinks in my apartment in Washington, D.C. It was a poor choice to use alcohol to relieve stress - and one at odds with my personally-held religious beliefs."

See the full statement below:

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Woman attacked at Pinehurst trailhead

Submitted by Nicole Hensley, Web Producer

Tuesday, August 21st, 2012, 4:57pm

A woman was reportedly grabbed at the Pine Creek Trailhead near Pinehurst on Monday afternoon. The victim told Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office she was leaving a swimming hole west of the parking lot while carrying her young child when a white male grabbed her from behind.

She was able to break free and run to the safety of her vehicle, promptly leaving the area immediately to report the incident. She was unable to tell law enforcement where the suspect went. By the time deputies responded to the scene, the suspect had fled. They believe he may be a transient on foot or hitchhiking.

The suspect is described as a white male, tan, black greasy hair, black beard with mustache, pot belly and about 5’8-6” in height. If you have any information that may help this investigation, you’re asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at (208) 556-1114.

The Sheriff’s Offices advises all citizens to avoid traveling along if possible and to report any suspicious activities. In case of an emergency, call 911.

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