Charges Sought Against Attorney

Tue., April 25, 2000

Shoshone County Prosecutor John Cossel said Monday he is seeking charges against Rathdrum City Attorney Rollie Watson.

George and P.J. Watters, Watson’s neighbors, have accused him of several forms of harassment since they moved into their Rockford Bay home in 1997 - most recently, of shooting high-powered firearms at night.

Watson faces one count of disturbing the peace, for shooting a wide variety of high-powered weapons at all hours of the night, Cossel said.

A charge of disturbing the peace is punishable by as much as six months in jail and a maximum fine of $300.

The Watterses claim Watson is shooting because he’s upset about land access disputes the neighbors have had.

Watson could not be reached for comment late Monday.

Frustrated with what they claim is a lack of response from local authorities, George Watters also has filed a claim with the Idaho State Bar Association, accusing Watson of conduct unbecoming a member of the bar and misuse of privileges as a member of the bar.

Representatives from the bar association said Monday that once a complaint is filed, it is confidential.

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Charges Sought Against Attorney

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