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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Eye On Boise

Prosecutor: Secret tax deals not a crime

Here's a news item from the Associated Press:  BOISE, Idaho (AP) — An Idaho prosecutor has declined to pursue a criminal case stemming from allegations that Idaho State Tax Commission leaders gave politically connected taxpayers inappropriate settlements. In a letter obtained by The Associated Press, Ada County Prosecutor Greg Bower told the Idaho attorney general's office that even if the lawsuit's allegations were true, "we do not see a criminal law violation." Bower concluded the matter was best left addressed by the Legislature. Idaho Rep. Shirley Ringo had brought a civil case against tax commissioners. It's since been dismissed, but Ringo's lawyer, Robert Huntley, refiled claims after finding new plaintiffs who he says have court standing. When asked about Bower's move not to pursue a criminal investigation, Huntley said Monday he's still calling for an independent probe of the settlements.



Betsy Z. Russell
Betsy Z. Russell joined The Spokesman-Review in 1991. She currently is a reporter in the Boise Bureau covering Idaho state government and politics, and other news from Idaho's state capital.

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