Idaho Briefs August 29, 2012

Man found shot to death near Lake Lowell

NAMPA - Officials in southwestern Idaho are investigating after a man was found shot in the head at Lake Lowell just west of Nampa.

Canyon County Sheriff's Sgt. Tim Randall says the man's body was found shortly after 9 a.m. Monday. His death is being investigated as a homicide.

Lt. Marv Dashiell says evidence at the scene indicates foul play.

The man appears to have died within a day of being found. An autopsy was planned Tuesday and investigators were working to identify the victim.

Former principal sentenced for sexual abuse

BLACKFOOT - A former middle school principal in the southeastern Idaho town of Blackfoot has been sentenced to three to 18 years in prison for having sexual contact with a 14-year-old student.

Christopher Cox was sentenced Monday by 7th District Judge Gregory Moeller. The judge fined Cox $10,000, ordered him to pay a $5,000 civil penalty to the girl and $2,700 in restitution.

Prosecutors allege Cox was principal at Snake River Junior High when the girl confided in him that she had been abused by an older man.

Fruitland bar owner pleads

to tax evasion

BOISE - A bar owner from Fruitland has pleaded guilty in federal court to tax evasion, conspiring to launder money and running an illegal gambling operation.

Federal prosecutors say 67-year-old Thomas Dale Overstreet pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Boise Friday.

Prosecutors say that between 2003 and 2011, Overstreet operated an illegal gambling business involving video machines at his Club 7 bar.

- Associated Press