Trooper facing felony charges in Bonner County

SANDPOINT — A decorated Idaho State Police trooper is facing felony charges in Bonner County for grossly misrepresenting the purchase price of a special edition Harley-Davidson motorcycle he purchased in Oregon. Daniel Charles Howard is charged with forgery, title fraud and grand theft.

Howard, a 48-year-old Athol resident, is free on his own recognizance while the case is pending. A preliminary hearing to determine if there is sufficient evidence to justify a trial in 1st District Court is set for next Wednesday. The alleged offenses occurred in 2013.

Howard was placed on paid leave during an internal investigation and faces termination if convicted, according to ISP spokeswoman Teresa Baker.

State police released the statement Thursday in response to The Bonner County Daily Bee’s inquiry about Howard’s employment status.