Man jailed for refusing juror questionnaire

LEWISTON – An Idaho man ordered to jail until he fills out a jury qualification questionnaire remained in custody for a second day Saturday.

John G. Wright was being held in the Nez Perce County Jail after being summoned to 2nd District Court on Thursday and then ignoring an order by Judge Jeff M. Brudie to fill out the questionnaire in court.

“I rescinded all my signatures on any and all past contracts. I am not a registered voter,” Wright told Brudie, according to the Lewiston Tribune.

Brudie held Wright in contempt of court and told him he will be released when he fills out the form.

“I do not give you my consent to arrest me,” Wright said as he was taken into custody. “I fear for my life.”

A Nez Perce County Jail spokesman on Saturday evening told the Associated Press that Wright was still being held at the jail.

Authorities said Wright previously ignored the questionnaire each month it was sent to him and then a warning letter before being summoned to court on Thursday.

Patty O. Weeks, Nez Perce County clerk-auditor, said most people quickly complete the form after receiving the warning letter.

In an unrelated case, Wright faces felony charges of offering false or forged instruments for record after police say he submitted fraudulent documents to Weeks’ office last year that were intended to release Wright from his $161,000 mortgage. A jury trial in that case is scheduled for May 3.