Idaho Attorney General Declines to Charge Sheriff in Town Hall Removal Case
BOISE – The Idaho Attorney General’s Office has decided not to file criminal charges against Kootenai County sheriff Bob Norris following an inquiry into the forceful removal of a woman from a February town hall meeting in Coeur d’Alene.
The incident,captured in viral videos,showed Teresa Borrenpohl being dragged from the meeting by multiple unidentified men after heckling speakers.Sheriff Norris had initially told Borrenpohl to leave and then filmed the removal with his cellphone.The men were later identified as security officers from LEAR Asset Management, who were not wearing uniforms or identifying badges and reportedly refused to identify themselves.
Following the incident, the Kootenai County Undersheriff announced a full, independent investigation led by an outside agency.
The Attorney General’s Office launched its own investigation after receiving public corruption complaints alleging battery by Sheriff Norris.However, in a letter dated November 3rd, the office stated the investigation revealed the sheriff “indisputably had law enforcement jurisdiction at the event” and that criminal charges were not warranted.
“The investigation did not uncover any evidence to suggest the sheriff acted in bad faith or with malice, and criminal charges would not be appropriate,” the office stated.
Sheriff Norris has not yet commented on the decision.
borrenpohl, a Democratic legislative candidate, has filed a tort claim against Kootenai County, alleging violations of her constitutional rights by both the security team and Sheriff Norris. Her attorney, Wendy Olson, clarified that the Attorney General’s investigation focused solely on potential battery charges against the sheriff, requiring proof “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Olson emphasized that civil cases, like Borrenpohl’s claim, have a different legal standard and evidentiary requirements.
Olson also noted that Borrenpohl is limited in her public comments as she is expected to be a witness in upcoming criminal proceedings against four security guards. Those guards have been charged with misdemeanor battery, false imprisonment, and violations related to security agent duties and uniform requirements, and have pleaded not guilty. Their trial is scheduled for December.
