Briefly: Regional news
Police seek rape suspect
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department is looking for help finding a suspect in the reported June 19 rape of a teenager near Fernan Saddle.
The department reported last month that the 17-year-old woman was coerced into drinking and smoking marijuana while camping with friends. She then went on a walk with a man who allegedly fondled and raped her.
Wanted in the case is Wayne Merrill Peterson, 26, whose last known residence was Moscow, Idaho. Investigators ask that anyone with information about Peterson’s whereabouts call the sheriff’s department at (208) 446-1300.
Protest at Kerry’s home denied
Boise An anti-abortion group led by a Boise woman was denied a permit to protest at the Boston home of Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry.
The Secret Service denied Brandi Swindell and her group, Generation Life, access to prayer vigils and marches at Kerry’s home as part of its anti-abortion protests at the Democratic National Convention in Boston next week.
Swindell is currently in Boston for several protests. She said her group will appeal the decision to the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts.
The group planned to protest and pray outside Kerry’s church, the state Capitol and the Harvard Club, where the National Organization for Women and the Fund for the Feminist Majority will hold a rally in support of Kerry.
Officials are stepping up security in Boston as the city prepares for the first nominating convention since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Rupert city employees suspended
Rupert, Idaho The city of Rupert has suspended four city employees, and independent investigators are looking into alleged violations of city policy.
City Attorney Kelly Anthon said he would not confirm the identities of the employees or their departments. They were suspended Friday.
City Administrator Roger Bagley said police detective Eric Snarr has been named acting chief of the city’s police department and that the investigation has to do with events that “recently unfolded.”
Bagley would not say who is conducting the investigation, but he said it could take up to 12 weeks.
Employees will remain on suspension during the investigation, unless developments require immediate action, Bagley said.