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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Lapwai police chief now on paid leave

From wire reports The Spokesman-Review

Lewiston Lapwai Police Chief Brad Mittendorf is back on the city’s payroll after being fired by the mayor.

He will continue to receive full pay and benefits during an investigation, said his attorney, Joseph P. Filicetti of Boise, though he’s on administrative leave.

Mayor James Angle said the Idaho Counties Risk Management Program and the city will talk Monday about who should conduct the investigation.

Its attorney, he said, “told me to keep my mouth shut; don’t let out any news about anything.”

Mittendorf said he has never received a reason for his dismissal. At a special meeting Thursday, the City Council went into a 45-minute closed session and emerged handing Mittendorf a prepared letter dismissing him immediately.

The friction between the police chief and the city stem from a spat with the Lapwai Quick Response Unit last year. Mittendorf asked for an investigation into how training funds were being spent. The Idaho State Police determined there was no basis for a full-fledged criminal investigation.

Trial begins in slaying of pregnant woman

Boise The jury trial for a Mountain Home man accused of killing his pregnant wife with a car in 2003 began last week in Elmore County.

Albert Ciccone, 28, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, including one under a 2002 Idaho law allowing charges for the murder of a fetus.

Ciccone faces a life sentence if found guilty of either murder charge. County prosecutors will not seek the death penalty.

Opening statements were given Friday. The trial could last until the end of the month, said Elmore County Prosecutor Aaron Bazzoli.

Ciccone allegedly ran over his wife, Kathleen, on Oct. 16, 2003. Elmore County Sheriff’s reports indicate the woman was three months’ pregnant. Authorities allege Ciccone drove the car into his wife at about 50 mph, killing her instantly.