Councilwoman, law enforcement at odds over inmate's parole

IDAHO FALLS (AP) - An Idaho Falls councilwoman and local law enforcement officials are at odds over her testifying in favor of paroling a man who shot at an officer in 2010.

Franklin Crazythunder pleaded guilty to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, enhanced by the use of a deadly weapon in the commission of a felony, The Post Register reported. He has been serving a sentence up to 15 years.

Councilwoman Barbara Ehardt testified Tuesday in support of his parole.

"I'm not standing against the police," Ehardt told the newspaper. "I'm trying to help someone I love."

Ehardt said Crazythunder is like an adopted member of her family. She knew him as a child, but they lost touch when he was about 13 years old.

Local Fraternal Order of Police national trustee Brad Landes opposed parole at the hearing. He said Ehardt works for the city, and yet supports someone who tried to kill an officer.

In 2010, Crazythunder, then 20, fired six shots from a .357-magnum revolver at then-Sgt. Steven Poulter, who is now a lieutenant.

Bonneville County Prosecutor Danny Clark, who was a deputy prosecutor at the time, tried to get Crazythunder a sentence of 10 to 25 years.

"We felt that was appropriate," Clark said. "He shot his gun at Officer Poulter until it was empty."

Ehardt said Crazythunder has worked to rehabilitate himself.

"He absolutely knows what he did was wrong," she said. "He wishes he could take it back, but he knows he can't."