Carlson pleads to coke charges

COEUR d'ALENE - A former Coeur d'Alene insurance agent and school booster pleaded guilty Jan. 28 to federal drug charges in U.S. District Court. Jerald S. "Jerry" Carlson, 48, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of attempting to possess cocaine with intent to deliver. He faces up to 40 years in prison and up to a $2 million fine. His sentencing will be at 4 p.m. April 14, as set by Federal Judge Edward Lodge. Carlson was arrested on Feb. 13, 2009, when Idaho State Police raided his business, Carlson's Insurance Agency, on Government Way. Officials found drug paraphernalia on a table in the game room, including snort tubes and three baggies of a white powder substance, according to court records. The office closed following the arrest. According to records, Carlson has lived in Coeur d'Alene all his life, and had a wife and three children. He was a member of the Coeur d'Alene Area Chamber of Commerce and was actively involved in the Coeur d'Alene High School Booster Program, declared 2006-07 booster of the year. As part of a plea deal, Carlson also agreed to pay $20,000 in forfeiture.