Anaya sentenced to 25 years in prison for role in kidnapping

Faustino A. Anaya was sentenced to a total of 25 years in prison for the role he played during the kidnapping ofBrandon Bykonen.

Anaya appeared in court Wednesday afternoon for sentencing. He was given a sentence of 10 years fixed 15 indeterminate for second-degree kidnapping.

Anaya pleaded guilty to the crime earlier this year as part of a plea agreement. Part of the plea included reducing charges for a separatedrug case against Anaya. He was sentenced to 20 years for the drug charges, five fixed and 15 indeterminate. The sentences will run concurrently.

Anaya, who was 19 years old at the time of the crime, turned 20 on Tuesday. Anaya was ordered by Judge Bruce Pickett to have a pre-sentence evaluation before his sentencing.

Anaya’s older sister took the stand to give her testimony and described Anaya as being a loving brother.

“I request that my brother gets help from a drug rehibiltation program,” she said to Pickett.

Findings from the pre-sentence investigation report told a very different story of a young boy who came from a dysfunctional family who grew up with little to no supervision.

Anaya said he first joined a gang when he was 8 years old, by age 13 he started smoking marijuana.

Anaya also admitted to using meth the night of the crime and selling drugs.

Pickett asked Anaya if he had anything to say before he received his sentence.

“I’ve learned a lot, I have a big heart. It’s been difficult. I do have a lot of goals, I want to be a dad and have a family some day,” Anaya told the court.

State prosecutor Tanner Crowther read his client’s impact statement to the court.

“It’s embarrassing when people ask how I lost my finger, I tell them. When I look at my disfigured hands, I’m reminded,” Bykonen said.

Bykonen also said, “Nothing is the same anymore. I deal with anxiety and depression.”

Crowther also said he believed Anaya has not taken full responsibility for the crime.

“Anaya had the gun. He’s the one who blindfolded Bykonen and threatened to shoot him in both kneecaps. He also had text messages about selling drugs,” Crowther said.

He also said, “This is an individual who is proud of what he’s done.”

Pickett revisited Anaya’s criminal history before giving his sentence.

“Drug crimes are not victimless crimes. I believe that there’re two people here. The Anaya who is charismatic and has a big heart, then there is the Anaya also known as Playboy or Stranger who uses drugs and is involved in crimes,” Pickett said.

Pickett also said, “This is a crime that shocked the community. I believe at the time of the crime you were under the influence of drugs that induced paranoia.”

Pickett took into account that Anaya did not participate in the dismemberment of Bykonen’s finger.

“However, you knew what was going on. I have an obligation to protect the community.”

Pickett also said “Anaya, you have violated probation in the past, and served time for a DUI conviction.”

After sentencing Anaya, Picket said “I want you to know there is hope for you; take full advantage and get your GED done.”

Pickett ordered Anaya to submit a DNA sample along with a thumbprint and will be transfered to the Idaho Department of Corrections to serve his prison sentence.

So far Anaya has served 208 days at the Bonneville County jail.

Pickett imposed a fine of $1,000 and a restitution hearing will be scheduled to a later date.

A second suspect, Sara Oden, was originally scheduled to appear in court Wednesday, but her defense attorney along with the state prosecutor first requested a pre-sentence evaluation.

Oden is scheduled to be back in court May 4.