The head of the Idaho State Police stood by his decision not to investigate a private prison company when he was questioned by lawmakers during a reappointment hearing Monday, the AP reports. Idaho State Police Col. Ralph Powell told the Senate Judiciary & Rules Committee that he believed falsified reports given to the state by Corrections Corporation of America were likely a civil, not criminal, matter. Powell said that's why he decided not to launch a criminal investigation after it was revealed that CCA understaffed the state prison in violation of its contract; the FBI is now investigating.

"Whether or not this fraud piece was real, well certainly it was, (but) there wasn't a walk away from any criminal investigation agreement," Powell said. He said the law enforcement agency doesn't launch criminal investigations on timecard errors. However, he said that the agency now realizes that problem went much deeper. You can read a full report here from AP reporter Kimberlee Kruesi. Lawmakers will vote soon on whether to recommend the Senate confirm Powell’s appointment to another four-year term heading the ISP.