Pocatello man accused of hiring a hit-man to harm his ex-wife

A Pocatello man was arraigned by U.S. Magistrate Judge Larry Boyle in Pocatello Tuesday on charges of interstate communication of a threat of bodily injury. John Kent Davis, 65, was arrested at his home August 17 without incident.

According to a complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, on July 29 and August 3, Davis used a form of interstate communication to try and hire someone to harm his ex-wife. The person Davis hired was actually an undercover FBI agent.

The complaint charges Davis met with the agent telephonically and in-person, paying him money while directing the agent to where his ex-wife lived in northern Idaho. He also described how badly he wanted her hurt.

The maximum penalty, upon conviction, for charges of interstate communication of a threat of bodily injury is up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.