Shooting suspect could dodge lengthy prison term

SANDPOINT - A former resident convicted of threatening his estranged girlfriend and discharging a hunting rifle during a domestic dispute has a chance at avoiding a lengthy prison term.

Anthony Wayne Johnson was sentenced to serve two to four years in prison last week. District Judge Steve Verby retained jurisdiction in the case, which means Johnson could be released after serving six months of the sentence, according to court records.

If Johnson's commitment to the Idaho Department of Correction goes poorly, however, he could be ordered to serve the full sentence.

A Bonner County jury convicted Johnson in September of aggravated assault in connection a shooting incident at his former home southeast of Priest River. Johnson was accused of threatening to kill his girlfriend and firing off a round from .243-caliber rifle.

There were no injuries, although the woman testified at trial that she was clutching their toddler when the shot was fired during the May 18 incident.

During his Nov. 3 sentencing hearing, Johnson said he had a problem with alcohol, a declaration the court agreed with, records show.

Johnson, a 40-year-old who has since moved to Spokane Valley, Wash., was also ordered to reimburse the state for the cost of his public defender and complete 200 hours of community service, court document indicate.