Idaho briefs

• Man sentenced for Social Security fraud

BOISE - An Idaho man has been sentenced to more than three years in federal prison and was ordered to pay nearly $200,000 in restitution for Social Security fraud.

Prosecutors alleged 44-year-old Jose Luis Fernandez of Caldwell worked under a false name while collecting Social Security disability benefits.

Fernandez began collecting disability benefits in 2001, but investigators found he had worked at a home-building company from June 2003 through May 2012. Prosecutors say he collected more than $196,000 in benefits to which he was not entitled.

U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge sentenced Fernandez on Wednesday in Boise. His prison time is to be followed by three years of supervised release.

• Fire marshal investigating school bus fire

HORSESHOE BEND - The Boise County sheriff's department is investigating after someone set fire to a school bus at Horseshoe Bend High School over the weekend.

School officials say the fire was set around 5 a.m. Saturday and also damaged a nearby van.

The case is being treated as arson.

School district spokeswoman Laura Baker says someone also broke into a school building, broke windows and a computer screen and took some items.

A $500 reward is being offered for information which leads to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible. Anyone with information is asked to call the Boise County sheriff's office.

The damaged bus was not being used, but school officials say it had a wheelchair lift and could be used if a future student needed it.

- Associated Press