Jefferson County sheriff trial moved to Twin Falls

Sheriff Blair Olsen will be tried in Twin Falls in 5th District Court.

The sheriff is facing three felony charges of misusing public money.

Olsen’s defense asked to change the venue for the jury trial, saying the local jury pool is tainted.

In an order granting the motion this week, Judge Greg Moeller said the case has been a divisive one for Jefferson County, citing the fact that citizens have gone door to door on the issue, taken to social media, and publicly linked the case to other local controversies and elected officials.

He also said media coverage has been “unusually extensive, pervasive and inflammatory.”

“Given the intense regional media coverage of this case, and the public exposure to highly inflammatory information — some of which will not be admissible at trial — the court also concludes that the case must be transferred to a county outside the regional media footprint to ensure a fair and impartial trial,” Moeller wrote. Read his full order here.

It turns out that moving the trial might actually save some money.

The cost for the state will go down because attorneys from the attorney general’s office will not travel as far.

It also could be cheaper for the county.

If jurors from outside the county were chosen and brought to Jefferson County, the county would have to foot the bill for their hotel and per diem expenses.

Jefferson County will also be responsible for paying the jurors, but that would be the case no matter where the trial occurs.

As far as witnesses go, their travel and hotel expenses will likely go to the attorneys. The state will have to pay for the judge and court reporters expenses.

The judge expects to call 75 to 80 prospective jurors. He expects to have a jury selected and begin open arguments the first day of trial.

“It’s hard put a price tag on a fair trial,” said Moeller.

The trial is expected to stay on schedule and will start May 11.