Former Idaho Sheriff pleads guilty after pointing gun at LDS church group

by: Ryan Bittan

Posted: Aug 22, 2022 / 05:30 PM MDT

Updated: Aug 22, 2022 / 05:30 PM MDT

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BINGHAM COUNTY, Idaho (ABC4) – An Idaho Sheriff has pled guilty to aggravated assault after threatening a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Young Women’s group in early November.

Former Bingham County Sheriff Craig Rowland pointed a gun at a vehicle containing a church group of seven girls and their group leader after the girls had left a “thankful turkey” at his front door.

The group and their adult leader were said to have been leaving Thanksgiving thank-you notes at the homes of members in their congregation one night and went to leave a note at Rowland’s home. 

The group was reportedly able to drive away and call 911 after Rowland brandished his gun.Utah children’s voice teacher allegedly tries to sodomize 5-year-old child

East Idaho News reports that the former Sheriff took a plea agreement in the case, in which the prosecution will dismiss a felony charge of aggravated battery as well as a misdemeanor charge for the exhibition of a firearm, according to Defense Attorney Dennis Wilkinson.

Rowland had been Sheriff of Bingham County since 2012 and was re-elected in 2020 for his third term.