Courts Respond to Misinformation
The Idaho Judicial Branch has condemned a wave of online threats directed at a judge and court staff following the sentencing of former BYU baseball player Candon Dahle. Officials say misinformation about the case has fueled harassment and endangered judicial independence.
Background of the Case
- Initial charge: Dahle, of Blackfoot, was charged in February with felony lewd conduct with a child under 16.
- Plea deal: In May, charges were reduced to two felony counts of injury to a child through a binding plea agreement.
- Sentence: Dahle was placed on eight years’ probation, given 180 days in jail, 200 hours of community service, and faces up to 10 years in prison if probation is violated.
Because of the amended charges, Dahle is not required to register as a sex offender under Idaho law.
Misinformation Sparks Threats
Posts on social media falsely claimed a judge allowed a “rapist” to avoid prison. In reality, the plea deal limited sentencing options available to the court.
According to the Judicial Branch, threats have included:
- Calls to “track down” the judge at public events
- Messages urging attacks on the judge and his family
- Detailed online discussions of harassment plans
Officials say the threats are disrupting court operations and have required increased security.
Defense Attorney’s Perspective
Utah criminal defense attorney Clayton Simms explained that Dahle’s sentence aligns with the reduced charges. While some members of the public feel the punishment is too light, Simms noted that Dahle’s guilty plea avoided a trial and eliminated the need for victim testimony.
He added that factors such as Dahle’s age during part of the alleged abuse and the loss of his athletic career may have influenced the plea agreement.
Judicial Branch Statement
In a press release, the Idaho Judicial Branch emphasized that:
- Criticism of judges is legitimate in a free society
- Threats of violence are unacceptable and undermine judicial independence
- Courts must rule based on law and evidence, not public pressure
The branch urged the public to review the facts before forming opinions.
Related Coverage
- Idaho News – https://idahonews.co/idaho-news-3/
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