Man changes plea in robbery case

COEUR d’ALENE — A man accused of breaking into his former girlfriend’s home earlier this year has pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges.

Jesse Jones, 26, of Coeur d’Alene, pleaded guilty last week to robbery and battery with intent to commit a serious felony, both felonies.

He also pleaded guilty to domestic battery and obstructing officers, both misdemeanors.

As part of a plea agreement, the state dismissed a felony burglary charge.

The charges stem from Feb. 13, when Coeur d’Alene police responded to a report that Jones had kicked in the front door of the residence where his former girlfriend lived with their baby.

Police said Jones had previously made “vague threats” to his ex, as well as his ex’s roommate.

When police arrived at the apartment complex where the incident occurred, they reportedly found the front door broken off its hinges. The deadbolt was damaged and the door was dented, police said.

Jones’ ex and her roommate said they were in the living room when Jones began pounding on the door, demanding to be let inside.

The roommate said she called 911 and loaded her handgun while Jones’ ex locked herself in another room with her baby.

Jones then reportedly kicked in the door, entered the apartment and refused to leave. He pushed the roommate down the hall, she said, forcing her to back up.

When she had no more room to retreat, she said she put the gun against Jones’ stomach and pulled the trigger.

She told police she feared Jones would kill his ex and the baby if he reached them.

The gun clicked, she said, but didn’t fire.

Jones reportedly took the gun, which was later found outside the apartment.

He also took cellphones belonging to his ex and her roommate before leaving the apartment, the roommate said.

Jones’ ex told police she believed Jones was going to harm her baby, as well as kill her and her roommate.

Police located Jones elsewhere in the apartment complex and arrested him.

During contact with police, Jones allegedly said, “When I get out, I’m beating the f— out of her.”

Judge Lansing Haynes denied a motion last week to reduce Jones’ bond from $100,000.

He is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 22 before Judge Haynes.

In Idaho, robbery is punishable by a minimum of five years in prison and a maximum life sentence.

Battery with the intent to commit a serious felony is punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison.

The court is not bound by any sentencing recommendations made by the state or the defense.