COEUR d’ALENE — A man who choked a woman and attempted to influence her testimony in the case will spend up to 15 years in prison. 

Joey L. Gray Jr., 40, of Post Falls, pleaded guilty in January to attempted strangulation, attempted witness intimidation, violating a no-contact order and attempting to violate a no-contact order. 

First District Judge John Cafferty sentenced Gray last week to 15 years in prison, the maximum possible sentence, with parole eligibility after six years. 

The charges stem from September 2025, when prosecutors said Gray choked a woman and then swung a machete at her before fleeing the scene. 

Police arrested Gray four days later and served him with a no-contact order prohibiting him from contacting the woman or her children. 

Prosecutors said Gray violated the order by having his family members reach out to the woman in an attempt to influence or deter her testimony in the case. 

Gray also wrote letters to the woman and her children from jail, prosecutors said, “imploring them to get him out of jail” and advising the woman to skip court and ignore law enforcement. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual abuse, reach Safe Passage 24/7 by calling 208-664-9303 or texting 208-449-7228.