Sandoval sentenced 3 to 10 years for his role in 2015 kidnapping

One of four convicted kidnappers was sentenced three to ten years in prison for his involvement in the 2015 case. However, The Judge placed him on a rider to a minimum security prison.

Ivan Sandoval pleaded guilty back on December 15th, to charges of accessory to second- degree kidnapping of Brandon Bykonen as part of a plea deal.

District Judge Bruce Pickett retained jurisdiction of the Wyoming man and placed Sandoval on a rider.

A rider is a 90-day to yearlong intensive rehabilitation program held at a minimum security prison.

“I want to make it clear I’m not sentencing you to the mayhem or the cutting off of the victims’ fingers in this case. However, you withheld and concealed information about the crime,” Pickett said.

If Sandoval does not abide by the terms of the rider and possible probation, Judge Pickett could impose the prison term of ten years.

“Mr. Sandoval, it’s time to take some responsibility for your own life,” said Pickett.

Sandoval’s attorney, Curtis Smith said his client feared for his life and therefore he did not act.

On Aug. 27, just before 7:30 a.m., Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the area of East Lincoln Road for a report of a man down. Upon arrival, deputies found the victim, Bykonen. He said he was kidnapped and beaten, and lost his left pinky finger.

Sandoval was ordered by the court to pay a restitution requested by the state in the amount of $40,378.97.

He was also ordered to provide a DNA sample along with a thumbprint to the state.

The co-defendants in the case will face sentencing mid March through April.