Two plead guilty after alleged beating
KAYE THORNBRUGH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 years AGO
Kaye Thornbrugh is a second-generation Kootenai County resident who has been with the Coeur d’Alene Press for six years. She primarily covers Kootenai County’s government, as well as law enforcement, the legal system and North Idaho College. | January 16, 2021 1:00 AM
Two men accused of breaking into another man’s home and beating him with a club have pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges.
Coeur d’Alene resident Chance L. Preston pleaded guilty Friday to battery, unlawful entry, possession of burglary tools and intimidating a witness, all misdemeanors.
Jeremy R. Guffey, 31, of Coeur d’Alene, pleaded guilty on Jan. 8 to battery and unlawful entry.
Police responded Dec. 16 to the Coeur d’Alene residence of a man who said three people had attacked him and threatened to kill him.
The man told police he’d argued with his ex-girlfriend earlier in the day. He said Preston came to the residence after the argument, accompanied by two other men.
Preston allegedly entered the man’s bedroom and told him to leave the home. When the man refused, he said Preston began to strike him with a club-like device while the other men punched and kicked him.
The victim's face was bruised and covered in blood, police said.
Several hours later, the man contacted police again. He said the men who beat him were attempting to kick in the door.
Preston and Guffey were walking away from the back door when police arrived, according to court documents.
Police held the men at gunpoint until backup arrived. Both were arrested at the scene.
Guffey was previously convicted of aggravated assault in Kootenai County in 2014.
Originally charged with aggravated battery, attempted burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to commit aggravated battery, Preston and Guffey reportedly pleaded guilty to lesser charges as part of an agreement.
Both are scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 1.
ARTICLES BY KAYE THORNBRUGH
North Idaho College awaits accreditation decision
After two years of uncertainty, North Idaho College awaits the final decision as to whether it will retain accreditation.
North Idaho College awaits accreditation decision
After two years of uncertainty, North Idaho College awaits the final decision as to whether it will retain accreditation.
Kootenai County jail sees surge in immigration holds
The number of people booked into the Kootenai County jail on “border patrol hold” is increasing after President Donald Trump issued a slew of executive orders on immigration, while the sheriff’s office promised to continue to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.