Bonner County prosecutor failed county's residents

It was a sad day when our Bonner County prosecutor failed in his duty to check out the false allegations against Sig Jensen before he called for a public trial. Title 19 section 1306 demands a thorough investigation before he can present an information, which is a poor substitute for a grand jury decision. This one-man decision to prosecute is inferior to a decision by 12 members of a grand jury. Unfortunately Idaho's Constitution (Article 1, Section 8) permits this inferior information process. The advantage of a grand jury investigation is secrecy, protecting the character of one falsely accused from being slandered by unfounded accusations, and saves him unnecessary attorney fees. If the prosecutor had investigated the charges, he whould have discovered the motive for the false accusations and protected Mr. Jensen's reputation.

Not only was he negligent in his duty, but he tried to prevent justice on two counts. His investigator made false statements, attempting to impose guilt upon Mr. Jensen. Since the prosecutor could not deny the truth of witnesses testimony, he tried to destroy their credibility by implying they collaborated to make up their testimony. Such conduct is absolutely unacceptable.

Oh, that our justice system would do its duty and punish evildoers instead of pursuing innocent people. False accusers, failure of duty, and false testimony are evil. Will the county punish those?

The jury realized Jensen was innocent, but what can compensate him for his damaged reputation? Our justice system spent lots of money to destroy him. A diligent prosecutor or a grand jury investigation could have protected him, and at far less cost.

By his choice, the prosecutor allowed the defamation of Mr. Jensen and caused him tremendous attorney expenses. What will he do to restore Mr. Jensen's financial condition or compensate him for damage to his reputation?

ANDY HARRIS

Hope