Friday, January 31, 2025
30.0°F

Lack of jurisdiction dismisses Abraham

Julie GOLDER<br | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 15 years, 7 months AGO
by Julie GOLDER<br
| July 2, 2009 9:00 PM

BONNERS FERRY — Boundary County Prosecutor Jack Douglas dismissed felony drug charges Wednesday, saying the county lacked jurisdiction in the case against Nicole Abraham, 24, of Bonners Ferry.

Since Abraham was arrested on tribal lands, Douglas said jurisdiction lies with the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho or the federal government. The tribe has been recognized as a sovereign nation by the United States government since 1855.

Douglas said he contacted with the United States Attorney’s Office to request they prosecute this case.

Abraham was arrested June 9 by a Bonners Ferry Police Drug Task Force officer at her Kootenai Mission home.

Abraham was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to deliver and possession of methadone.

The state has been informed that it does have jurisdiction over the a probation violation charge. According to court records, Douglas intends to proceed with the matter as he would any alleged violation against any other defendant.

Abraham, who a long history of drug abuse and possession charges, is on felony probation for supplying 16-year-old James “Jimmy” Wylie of Bonners Ferry with the drugs that led to his death on Dec. 12, 2006.

Abraham also served time on one of eight other felony charges against her in connection with Wylie’s death and on separate related drug arrests from Sept. 12, 2006 and Feb. 2, 2008.

Abraham went before a judge after serving six months at Cottonwood to determine whether she would serve out a two-to seven-year sentence or be released on a reduced sentence for Wylie’s death. Abraham was released on good behavior.

Abraham was released on Wednesday from Boundary County Jail on a $40,000 bond.

MORE IMPORTED STORIES

County drops charges due to lack of jurisdiction
Bonner County Daily Bee | Updated 15 years, 7 months ago
Abraham released
Bonners Ferry Herald | Updated 15 years, 7 months ago
Prosecutor attempting to re-file drug charges
Bonners Ferry Herald | Updated 15 years, 6 months ago

ARTICLES BY JULIE GOLDER<BR

Girls soccer team wins one, drops one
September 23, 2010 9 p.m.

Girls soccer team wins one, drops one

The Bonners Ferry high School Lady Badgers lost to Libby Monday in Troy with a  score of 4-0.

January 21, 2010 8 p.m.

Panhandle State Bank presents $3,224 to school

The Panhandle State Bank 2009 Community Outreach Program has helped Valley View Elementary School buy new playground equipment for the pre-school and kindergarten center.

April 15, 2010 9 p.m.

Wear denim on April 21 to protest myths related to assualt

Elaine Martinez of the North Idaho Women’s Center, and Violence Prevention Center wants Bonners Ferry to recognize Denim Day, Wednesday, April 21.