The assault of a five-year-old girl in Twin Falls, Idaho, continues to be at the center of a heated controversy. The case, which has sparked national attention, has resulted in threats to public officials involved in the prosecution of the case.
U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson issued a statement on Friday, June 24, 2016, in support of the five-year-old victim and the law enforcement authorities working to bring those responsible to justice.
However, many have misinterpreted Olson’s statement, believing it to be a threat to arrest or prosecute those expressing their opinions on the case. This is not the case, according to Olson.
“Many in the press, public and online bloggers are misinterpreting the statement I issued on Friday, June 24, 2016, in support of the five-year-old victim of an assault in Twin Falls, Idaho, and in support of the law enforcement authorities there who are prosecuting the case,” Olson stated.
Olson clarified that her statement was not intended to threaten anyone with arrest or prosecution for exercising their First Amendment rights. Instead, she expressed concern over the threatening and harassing communications that have been directed at public officials in Twin Falls.
“Certain threatening or harassing communications may violate federal law and will be investigated,” Olson said.
Olson also addressed the spread of false and inflammatory information about the case, which has created an unsafe environment in Twin Falls. She encouraged the public to be patient while the juvenile justice system works to bring those responsible to justice.
“I encourage all to support this victim and her family,” Olson said.
In the wake of the threats to officials, the FBI and other federal agencies have been called in to investigate. The investigation is ongoing, and those found to be responsible for the threats will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Related Federal Cases
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- Schneider Indicted in Federal Hate Crime Linked to Fatal Assault · Idaho
- Bank Bandit Parker Sentenced to 13 Years for American Falls Heist · Idaho
- Assault Conviction Lands Lewiston Man Behind Bars · Idaho
Key Facts
- State: Idaho
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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