Jay Christopher Matt, Witness Tampering, Idaho 2020

Defendant Faces Up to 20 Years in Prison for Tampering with Witnesses

COEUR D’ALENE – A Desmet man has pleaded guilty to a charge of witness tampering in federal court, according to U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis. Jay Christopher Matt, 38, of Desmet, Idaho, will be sentenced on April 9, 2020, before U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill at the federal courthouse in Coeur d’Alene.

Matt was initially charged in federal court with multiple counts related to a domestic violence incident that occurred in Desmet in August 2019. However, it was discovered that while pending trial, Matt made efforts to contact potential witnesses, including the victim, and persuade them to not cooperate with the ongoing investigation, not show up to trial, or change their story in order to aid Matt in evading prosecution.

Witness tampering is a serious offense, punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to three years.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Coeur d’Alene Tribal Police Department, Benewah County Sheriff’s Office, and Bonner County Sheriff’s Office. The cooperation of law enforcement agencies was crucial in uncovering Matt’s attempts to interfere with the justice system.

The guilty plea marks a significant development in the case, as Matt has acknowledged his wrongdoing and will now face the consequences. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of allowing witnesses to testify freely, without fear of intimidation or coercion.

The sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 9, 2020, and will provide an opportunity for the court to hold Matt accountable for his actions. The outcome of the hearing will be closely watched by those following the case.

This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Violent Crime

Blaze Miles Thundershield, Larceny, South Dakota 2016

Sep 16, 2016

Violent Crime

SAAVEDRA-SANCHEZ Caught Up in Crossfire of Federal Prosecution

Jul 1, 2009

Violent Crime

Raymond Schepens, Embezzlement, Maryland 1930

Jul 1, 2007

Violent Crime

Hernandez-Castro, Money Laundering, Pennsylvania 2024

Jul 1, 2022