COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — Six men have been charged in connection with the removal of a woman from a February town hall event hosted by the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee.
According to the Coeur d’Alene Prosecutor’s Office, four men — Paul Trouette, Russell Dunne, Christofer Berg, and Jesse Jones — were charged with battery and false imprisonment. Along with Alexander Trouette IV, they were also cited for violations related to private security agent uniforms and conduct. A sixth man, Michael Keller, faces a battery charge.
The incident occurred on February 22 during a meeting featuring state legislators. Teresa Borrenpohl, a former political candidate, began interrupting speakers. According to event organizers, she became disruptive and refused to comply with rules or leave the premises when instructed by the Kootenai County Sheriff.
Sheriff Robert Norris, who was present at the event, ordered Borrenpohl to exit the venue. When she did not comply, private security contractors removed her from the auditorium. A video of the incident shows two men pulling her to the ground and carrying her out of the room. The individuals were later identified as members of Lear Asset Management Inc., a private California-based security firm.
Following the incident, the City of Coeur d’Alene revoked Lear’s business license, citing local ordinances requiring clearly marked uniforms for security agents.
Paul Trouette, CEO of Lear Asset Management, said in a statement that the team stands by its actions and intends to contest the charges.
The Coeur d’Alene Police Department and the sheriff’s office have confirmed investigations were launched, though full incident reports have not been made public. The Idaho Attorney General’s Office, which oversees conduct involving elected sheriffs, has not yet commented.
Borrenpohl has since filed a legal notice indicating her intent to pursue a civil claim.
