Prosecutors drop felony rape charge against Meridian man

KETCHUM — A felony charge of rape filed in February against Meridian resident Brandt Hulet Goff has been dismissed, though Goff has agreed to plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge of battery.

Goff, 28, was charged with rape following an alleged incident in a Ketchum hotel room in April 2017. According to a probable-cause affidavit written by a Blaine County Sheriff’s Office detective, the alleged victim reported that she and Goff, to whom she was married but was in the process of divorcing, were staying at the hotel when Goff repeatedly attempted to initiate sex with her. She stated that she said “no” and “stop” at least five times but Goff forcibly removed her pants and initiated sex with her. She reported that she did not physically resist Goff because she was fearful of what he might do if she resisted.

Idaho Mountain Express reports Fifth District Judge Ned Williamson ordered the rape charge dropped on Sept. 18, following a motion to do so by the prosecution.

Blaine County Deputy Prosecutor Matt Fredback said Goff is scheduled to plead guilty and face sentencing on Oct. 26.

Fredback said this was an “alternative way to reduce the charge,” explaining via email that by dismissing the rape charge and opening a new case against Goff for the misdemeanor, Goff might more easily have the rape charge deleted from his criminal history.

This article was originally published in the Idaho Mountain Express. It is used here with permission.