Former zoo worker goes to prison for sexual battery

A former worker at the Idaho Falls Zoo will serve five to 20 years in prison.

Raymond Probert, 56, pleaded guilty to sexual battery by lewd and lascivious acts, which triggers a possible sentence of life in prison.

Bonneville County Prosecutor Daniel Clark said Judge Jon Shindurling retained jurisdiction for a one year rider. During that time, Probert will be required to undergo a sex offender-treatment program. The judge may then review the case and determine whether to put Probert on probation or have him serve the remainder of the prison term.

Probert worked at the zoo from 1996 to 2014 and abused a 15-year-old girl who volunteered with the Junior Zoo Crew. The city said in October a supervisor “promptly reported” suspicious activity to law enforcement.