One of five suspects in kidnapping, torture case pleads guilty - East Idaho News
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One of five suspects in kidnapping, torture case pleads guilty

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anaya
Faustino A. Anaya

IDAHO FALLS — One of five people charged in connection to the kidnapping and torture of an Idaho Falls man pleaded guilty Friday afternoon in Bonneville County.

Faustino A. Anaya, 19, pleaded guilty to one felony charge of second-degree kidnapping and one felony charge of delivery of a controlled substance, the Bonneville County Prosecutor’s Office said.

Anaya was originally charged with first-degree kidnapping and two delivery charges but, as part of a plea agreement, the kidnapping charge was reduced and a delivery charge was dropped.

Anaya was among five people charged in connection with the kidnapping and attack of Brandon Bykonen on Aug. 27. Bykonen says he was blindfolded and tied up before being driven to the foothills of Bonneville County.

When they arrived, Bykoken said, he was placed face down in the dirt and forced to extend his bound hands in front of him. That’s when Devan Crawford is accused of repeatedly “hacking” Bykonen’s hands with a hatchet – resulting in a loss of several fingers.

The other defendants

  • Crawford is facing multiple charges including aggravated battery and first-degree kidnapping. He is scheduled for a jury trial Feb. 8.
  • Sarah Oden, is facing an aggravated battery and first-degree kidnapping charge. She will also face a jury trial Feb. 8.
  • Alvaro Oseguera and Ivan Sandoval two other men charged in connection to the chase, entered plea agreements on Dec. 15. They will be sentenced March 2.

Anaya is scheduled to be sentenced March 30. As part of the plea agreement, Bonneville County Prosecutor Danny Clark is recommending he serve 10 years to life in prison. Seventh District Judge Bruce Pickett will ultimately decide on the sentence.

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