Chubbuck man gets probation after intimidating a witness in his rape trial
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POCATELLO – A man who intimidated a witness was sentenced to probation on Monday.
Kenneth Shaye Simmons, 49, of Chubbuck was charged in November 2023 with six felony counts of intimidating or impeding a witness. He was found guilty in two-day jury trial in May 2024.
According to court documents, four of the charges were dismissed ahead of his sentencing. Two were dismissed by the court, one by the prosecutor and Simmons was acquitted of one.
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Sixth District Judge Rick Carnaroli sentenced Simmons on Monday to three years of probation after suspending his prison term of 473 days fixed and three years indeterminate.
In November 2023, the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by the county prosecutor’s office about potential witness intimidation.
It stated the man had been acquitted of a rape charge after a trial, but prior to this, it was believed Simmons had intimidated and coached a witness who testified in the trial.
Looking at the call records, deputies found Simmons and the witness had several calls where he could be heard telling the witness the victim wanted to have sex.
The document states deputies had determined Simmons had coached and intimidated the witness in preparation for the trial.