Man in child porn case free on bail
A former Costco employee arrested after allegedly recording video of a child in a men’s restroom at the store was in court Wednesday.
James Blatter, 35, waived his right to a preliminary hearing. He is charged with 25 counts of child pornography and one count of video voyeurism.
Judge David Evans agreed to release James Blatter, 35, on $30,000 bail, which his family paid in cash. The amount was originally $50,000, but Evans waived $20,000.
Since Blatter refused a hearing, he will enter into a plea agreement in front of the district court.
Prosecuting Attorney Zachary Parris said this will help move the court proceedings along more quickly.
“We have an interest in getting these cases resolved and getting these defendants moving along in the system so it’s toward that goal, so we’re pretty happy with it,” said Parris.
Pocatello police said a father saw Blatter taking a video of a child using a handheld camera that looked like a pen. The father called police. Officers obtained a warrant and searched Blatter’s home in October, after which Blatter was arrested.
