Will Grigg?s Liberty Minute

March 3, 2008

A Bear Lake County, Idaho jury convicted former policeman Kevin Buttars of assault -- only to see the verdict undermined by an inexcusably lenient sentence.

In March 2007, Officer Buttars became aggravated with a suspect named Jared Finley. According to a criminal complaint, Buttars beat Finley, slammed his head into the wall, choked him, and committed an act of simulated sodomy.

Had these acts been committed by a private citizen, the offender would face multiple felony counts. But Idaho law defines ?unnecessary assault by a police officer? as a misdemeanor; the maximum penalty is a year in jail and a $5000 fine.

Buttars, however, faces a mere 15 days in jail, court costs of about $75, and a $500 fine. His former chief, who tried to cover up the crime, was fired and faces his own trial.

Officer Kenny Yellen testified against Buttars and should be commended for risking his career in defense of the rule of law.

Let us take back the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free.