No charges against former Bannock public works director

After a two-year investigation, Oneida County Prosecutor Cody Brower says no criminal charges will be filed against former Bannock County Public Works Director Dan Copeland. Brower said, “While I have serious concerns about Mr. Copeland’s tenure as the Public Works Director…it is clear the evidence is not sufficient to proceed at this time.”

Bannock County Prosecutor Steve Herzog asked Brower in March 2017 to investigate possible charges against Copeland for potential misuse of Bannock County property, funds, and employees for his personal benefit. He also asked Brower to bring charges, if necessary.

The case was set to be heard by a grand jury this month, but after the submission of further information to the state, Brower determined that charges were no longer appropriate.

According to a news release from Brower’s office, Idaho State Police began investigating Copeland in late 2016.

“While it is clear that Copeland did use public resources for his benefit, the majority of Copeland’s use occurred in the years 2009 to 2011, all of which fell outside of the statute of limitations, even before the investigation began in 2016,” said Brower. “The state is simply prohibited from proceeding with charges for the same.”

Many of Idaho’s corruption statutes are only considered misdemeanors under Idaho law and are subject to a one-year statute of limitations. Likewise, the crime of Misuse of Public Monies has a statute of limitations of five years when charged as a felony crime, according to Brower.