Alleged attempted abductor's possible penalties pile up

by JEFF SELLE/Staff writer
| April 12, 2016 9:00 PM

COEUR d’ALENE — The possible penalties were increased Monday for Jason A. Edwards, 44, who allegedly tried to kidnap a co-worker at The Coeur d’Alene Press office last year.

The Kootenai County Prosecutor's Office has dropped a burglary charge against Edwards, but added weapons and sex assault enhancements to his charges for allegedly using a deadly weapon during the attack, and for being convicted of having a prior sexual offense.

The enhancements could add an additional 30 years to Edwards’ sentence if he is convicted.

Edwards is charged with battery with intent to commit a felony, attempted first-degree kidnapping and aggravated assault — all felony charges stemming from the Nov. 1 alleged incident. He also is charged with DUI, a misdemeanor.

Prosecutor Barry McHugh said the deadly weapon enhancement gives the judge discretion to add up to 15 years to the maximum sentence if Edwards is convicted. Also if convicted, Edwards will get a mandatory minimum of 15 years added to his sentence for being convicted of a prior sexual offense.

Public Defender Mayli Walsh told Judge Lansing Haynes her client has a plea offer on the table, and asked for a plea hearing to be scheduled as soon as possible. Haynes set the date for April 18 at 8:30 a.m. Walsh said Edwards has until Friday to accept or deny the plea agreement.

“We need a little more time for Mr. Edwards to meet with counsel,” she said.

If Edwards doesn’t accept the plea, Haynes has scheduled a jury trial for May 3. Prosecutors expect the trial to last five days.

Edwards declined a plea deal offered by prosecutors earlier this year, and he remains in custody at the Kootenai County jail.

Police said Edwards allegedly coaxed a 27-year-old co-worker outside early in the morning of Nov. 1. According to police reports, he allegedly threatened her with a knife and attempted to take her to a van he had parked a couple hundred yards away. Police said she broke free and escaped back into The Press building, where she called police.