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TOWN HALL VERDICT: Trouette convicted of some battery charges, acquitted on others

KAYE THORNBRUGH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 10 months AGO
by KAYE THORNBRUGH
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. | December 18, 2025 4:40 PM

COEUR d'Alene – A Kootenai County jury delivered a mixed verdict late Thursday afternoon in the case of Paul Trouette, a security company owner accused of battering several people during a chaotic legislative town hall at Coeur d'Alene High School.

Jurors convicted Trouette of two counts of battery against Gregg Johnson and Sarah Forsgren, as well as security agent uniform and duties violations, all misdemeanors.

The jury found Trouette not guilty of two additional counts of battery against Teresa Borrenpohl and Ben Stallings. Trouette was also acquitted on two counts of false imprisonment related to his detainment of Borrenpohl and Johnson.

The jury deliberated for nearly eight hours on Wednesday and Thursday, after a three-day trial.

Sentencing in the case will come at a later date. The combined charges carry a maximum sentence of two years in jail and fines of up to $4,000.

This is a developing story.

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