Grand jury to be called in Jefferson County

The Idaho Attorney General’s office confirms it has filed a motion with 7th District Judge Alan Stephens seeking to impanel a grand jury in Jefferson County.

Attorney General’s office spokesman Todd Dvorak said it was a secret process and the office cannot disclose the reason, issues or persons involved in the grand jury request.

Local News 8 has learned the grand jury will be selected in late October.

According to Idaho Court rules, 16 jurors will be selected to examine if a crime has been committed.

The State of Idaho says this about grand juries on its website: “It should be noted that the grand jury system is a mechanism for bringing a serious criminal matter to the district court. A grand jury is a panel of citizens called together to hear evidence and determine if criminal charges should be initiated. Grand jury proceedings are private and secret. Prospective defendants are not entitled to be present at the proceedings, and no one is allowed to cross-examine witnesses on the defendant’s behalf. Information presented to the grand jury is presented by prosecuting attorneys.”