Several charges dropped in Island Park voter fraud investigation
Editor's Note: As of May 1st, 2026, the charges against Chad Vanderbeek have been dismissed without prejudice. Charges against Winter Mickelberry, Michelle Green, and Eugene Jenson have also been dismissed on the motion of the prosecutor.
ISLAND PARK, Idaho (KIFI) — Prosecutors in Fremont County have dismissed or reduced charges against several individuals following an investigation into alleged voter fraud during a contentious May 2023 election in Island Park.
Out of 11 people originally charged with election interference, four have pleaded guilty to reduced misdemeanor charges, several cases have been dropped, and charges against three remaining defendants remain pending.
Most notably, all charges against Chad Vanderbeek of Island Park were dismissed with prejudice on May 1, meaning prosecutors cannot refile the same charges against him.
During a hearing last September, Vanderbeek’s attorney, John Malek, argued that while he had been temporarily living in Idaho Falls to care for his father in hospice, he never intended to give up his primary residence in Island Park.
"There is no indication under black letter law that my client has established residence somewhere else," argued Malek in the September hearing. "There is, however, an indication that my client has established residence in Island Park."
According to an online obituary, Vanderbeek’s father, Hans, passed away shortly after the case was dismissed.
Meanwhile, four other defendants entered guilty pleas to misdemeanor illegal voter registration:
Rodney and Marian McKenna: Both pleaded guilty to misdemeanor illegal voter registration, with original felony charges dropped. Each was sentenced to 30 days in jail (with 28 days suspended), $707.50 in court fees, 25 hours of community service, and one year of probation.
David and Christi Rose Spinner: Both pleaded guilty to misdemeanor illegal voter registration, while felony perjury charges were dismissed. Each was sentenced to one day in the Fremont County Jail, a $657 fine, and unsupervised probation.
At the center of the case is a controversial May 2023 ballot measure proposing a 5% lodging tax on short-term rentals, Airbnbs, and cabins in Island Park. Proponents wanted to use the revenue to build a three-million-dollar multipurpose community center.
That measure ultimately failed by just nine votes.
Court documents allege that the defendants fraudulently cast ballots in that election using secondary residences, Airbnbs, or rental properties.
Charges against defendants Teara Galbraith, Marcye Gifford, and Charles Lower remain pending as of publication.
