Cd’A man gets prison for witness intimidation, unlawful firearm possession
STAFF REPORT | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 2 months AGO
A Coeur d'Alene man received a prison sentence for intimidating a witness while held in the Kootenai County jail, according to prosecutors.
Hugo Romero, 43, pleaded guilty in March to unlawful possession of a firearm and intimidating a witness, both felonies, as well as driving under the influence, a misdemeanor.
First District Judge Ross Pittman sentenced Romero to nine years in prison with parole eligibility after two years.
The charges stem from May 2024, when police investigated a claim that Romero had pointed a firearm at his former girlfriend.
Police obtained a search warrant for Romero’s residence and located a firearm. Romero’s firearm rights were suspended due to prior felony convictions, according to the Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
A month later, Romero was charged with driving under the influence. A judge ordered that he be held on $250,000 bail and issued a no-contact order forbidding him from contacting his former girlfriend.
Prosecutors said Romero violated the order in July 2024 by calling the woman from jail and “requesting that she be untruthful when testifying in regard to his criminal proceedings.”
ARTICLES BY STAFF REPORT
Coeur d'Alene authorities seek help in arson investigation
Coeur d'Alene police and firefighters are seeking the public's help as they investigate two fires they believe were intentionally set during the early hours of Aug. 15.
Three arrested after drug investigation
Local and state law enforcement arrested three men and seized "nearly a quarter pound of methamphetamine" last week after a lengthy investigation, according to the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office.
Stampa-Palooza at ML Museum Saturday
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Museum & Art Center will host Stampa-Palooza this weekend as the September Free Family Saturday. “We will have a variety of stamps, ink pads, and cardstock available to create custom projects,” Museum Communications Coordinator Natalya Zuyeva wrote in an email to the Columbia Basin Herald. “Pick out your favorite designs and stamp away.” The museum hosts the craft event on the first Saturday of the month, with all the supplies paid for through memberships and donations. Although there’s no charge, families are asked to register at the museum’s website.