Coeur d'Alene School Board trustee arrested for DUI, drug paraphernalia

Post Falls police arrested a Coeur d'Alene School Board trustee early Sunday morning and cited her for driving under the influence and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to court records.

Allison "Allie" Anderton was booked into the Kootenai County jail after she was arrested about 1 a.m., Post Falls Police Patrol Lt. Brian Harrison confirmed.

"Allison Anderton was arrested under those charges," he said. "It occurred near Beck Road and Expo Parkway on the 20th."

Court records indicate that Anderton received a citation for DUI, a misdemeanor, after refusing to undergo field sobriety testing. Under Idaho law, anyone who does not take a test to determine alcohol concentration may be prosecuted for driving or being in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any other intoxicating substances.

No details were given about the type of paraphernalia of which she was allegedly in possession.

Anderton did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday.

Coeur d'Alene School District officials said in a Monday afternoon statement they are aware of a police incident involving Anderton that occurred over the weekend.

"Trustee Anderton is not an employee of the Coeur d'Alene School District," the district said. "As such, based on the circumstances, any decision regarding her continued participation on the board of trustees is up to Ms. Anderton."

Board Chair Rebecca Smith said she has not had an opportunity to have a full conversation with Anderton following the incident.

"I do look forward to that discussion," Smith said.

Anderton represents Zone 1, which encompasses communities on the east side of the district including Dalton Gardens and Fernan Lake Village. Her term expires in December.

Anderton posted a $500 bond for the DUI citation and a $300 bond for the paraphernalia possession charge. Anderton's arraignment is expected to take place in May, according to court records.

In 2021, The Press reported Anderton pleaded guilty to driving under the influence, a misdemeanor offense, in 2002 and 2007. Her license was suspended for 90 days after the 2002 conviction. The following year, Anderton was convicted of driving with an invalid license.

Anderton was endorsed by the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee during her 2021 school board campaign. In a September 2021 Press article, Anderton said her record of legal offenses had shaped her into a better person and candidate. She said she endured traumatic abuse that took several years to overcome.

"I did make mistakes during that time that I am not proud of," she said in the 2021 article. "Since then, I have found healing through my faith and made peace with my past. I am now a mature and healthy adult who has learned invaluable lessons from my past mistakes. My record since then proves that."