Plea-change compromise puzzles both sides in Aston theft case

Source: The Times-News, Twin Falls, IdahoNov.self storage 01--RUPERT -- The petit theft case against former Minidoka County employee Paul Aston took a strange turn on Friday, when both sides told the judge they expected something different to happen during the scheduled plea-change hearing.Bannock County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ryan Godfrey sat in for his colleague Jared Johnson, who was assigned as special prosecutor for the case against the county's former community development director. The case was turned over from the Minidoka County Prosecutor's Office to avoid potential conflict-of-interest issues.Godfrey said his understanding was that Aston would enter a guilty plea on Friday and the state would recommend withheld judgment. But Aston's attorney Robert Nielsen said his understanding was that a civil compromise had been reached between Aston, 57, and Minidoka County."Personally, I've never seen civil compromise in a criminal case," Godfrey said during an interview after the hearing.Aston was originally charged with felony grand theft after allegedly stealing $4,590 from the county and two other organizations. The charge was later amended to misdemeanor petit theft and Aston was slated for a change of plea and sentencing hearing on Friday.Nielsen said that Aston h迷利倉s paid the county $1,191 in restitution and thought the matter was settled. But, apparently Nielsen said, Minidoka County Prosecutor Lance Stevenson changed his mind."Why is Mr. Johnson even speaking to Stevenson?" asked 5th District Magistrate Judge Casey Robinson.Stevenson said in a post-hearing interview that he was merely relaying information between the prosecutor and the county commissioners he represents."Communication has always been an issue in this case," said Godfrey.Stevenson said the matter is on the commissioners' meeting agenda on Monday but will be discussed in executive session.Whether or not the commissioners agree to some sort of civil compromise with Aston, the criminal case against him will continue with a status hearing that has yet to be scheduled.If the civil compromise is not signed by all parties and Aston does not enter a guilty plea to the petit theft charge, the case will likely proceed to trial.Stevenson said that Aston, who was immediately placed on paid leave when the charges were filed, has resigned.Laurie Welch may be reached at lwelch@magicvalley.com or 677-5025.Copyright: ___ (c)2013 The Times-News (Twin Falls, Idaho) Visit The Times-News (Twin Falls, Idaho) at magicvalley.com Distributed by MCT Information Services迷你倉