Sheriff’s lieutenant demoted, back on job

A Bonner County sheriff’s lieutenant who pleaded guilty May 31 to threatening a co-worker is back on the job.

John Valdez had been on administrative leave since his sentencing but returned to duty just over a week ago, Sheriff Elaine Savage said.

Savage said Valdez was demoted to the lesser rank of sergeant.

Valdez pleaded guilty to challenging jail Deputy Ottis “Britt” Hamilton to fight last fall and saying he would have “broken every bone in (his) body.”

Hamilton said Valdez made the threat during a discussion about transferring an inmate.

The incident was investigated by Sandpoint police and Idaho State Police. Savage said an internal investigation was conducted after Valdez was sentenced, but she said she couldn’t discuss the outcome of the investigation.

Valdez declined comment Friday.

During his sentencing hearing in May, Valdez expressed regret over what had happened.

He was ordered by Magistrate Justin Julian to take anger management classes and placed on probation for one year.

If the 54-year-old doesn’t commit a crime greater than a traffic offense in that time, the conviction won’t go on his permanent record.

The incident could jeopardize Valdez’ Idaho Peace Officers Standards and Training certification. The certification is required to work in law enforcement in Idaho.

Savage said the possibility of Valdez losing his certification is a concern, but she said she hasn’t been contacted by POST regarding decertification.

Savage said it’s possible that POST could be “backed up with decertification investigations.”