Prison ordered in drug-related assault case

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint man who was accused of holding an ex-girlfriend against her will and beating her during a heroin-related drug deal has been ordered to spend up to 11 years in prison.

Jason Courtney Kaelin will have to serve at least six years in prison before becoming eligible for parole, according to the terms of the sentence imposed by 1st District Judge Steve Verby on Wednesday.

Kaelin, 32, was charged with second-degree kidnapping, robbery, aggravated battery and heroin trafficking last June. He allegedly held the 26-year-old woman against her will when she attempted to purchase heroin from him.

The woman told Sandpoint Police she was attacked by Kaelin, struck with a hammer, cut with a knife and jolted with a stun gun during the incident. Kaelin was further accused of force-feeding her prescription anti-anxiety medication during the episode, although she managed to spit out the tablets and call 911 using a mobile phone she concealed in a seat cushion.

In a plea agreement with the state, Kaelin pleaded guilty to the felony battery charge and heroin trafficking. In exchange for the admissions, the remaining charges were dismissed.

The alleged victim declined to testify when Kaelin was sentenced. Kaelin also declined to address the court before his sentence was imposed.

Chief Public Defender Isabella Robertson recommended concurrent three- to five-year sentences, citing Kaelin’s litany of mental health problems and acceptance of responsibility for his misconduct. Bonner County Prosecutor Louis Marshall asked for concurrent five- to 15-year sentences, calling Kaelin’s conduct “outrageous.”

Verby deemed Kaelin’s actions “heinous” and imposed concurrent six- to 11-year sentences, court records indicate. He was given credit for 209 days in jail.