Court To Clarify Ex-Senator’s Probation Rules

Rex Furness’ sexual battery case has returned to court amid concerns the former Republican state senator failed to follow the terms of his probation.

Furness, 72, of Rigby, pleaded guilty to sexual battery of a minor last year for fondling his 17-year-old adopted granddaughter. He served 60 days in jail and will spend the next seven years on probation.

Now 7th District Judge Brent Moss plans to issue a clarification of when Furness may have contact with minors, said Carol Ehlinger, a state Department of Correction section supervisor.

The action was prompted by two instances of Furness apparently breaking rules set by the Correction Department, as detailed in a March 4 letter to Moss from probation officer Doug Gardner.

The Correction Department rules prohibit Furness from having contact with anyone under 18 without adult supervision and from having any contact with his granddaughter without permission from the probation officer.

In a letter to Moss, Gardner wrote that Furness admitted giving a male minor a ride to school without supervision and giving his granddaughter a hug when she came to his house.

The problems could be the result of Furness being confused about the probation rules since the court order has less strict limits than the Department of Correction contract, Gardner wrote.

The court order prohibits Furness from having unsupervised contact with females under 18 or any contact with his granddaughter without her consent.

A judge’s clarification is expected to be less harsh than Gardner’s planned punishment, seeking a two-day order for incarceration.