Parole hearing stirs up controversy for city council member

A parole hearing is stirring up controversy in Idaho Falls. It’s all because city council woman Barbara Ehardt testified on behalf of man who shot at a police officer back in 2010.

Local law enforcement officials said they are disappointed in Ehardt. She said her testimony wasn’t meant to disrespect police, she was just trying to be there for someone she considers family.

“You know, I can see what they would question, but my intent had nothing to do against the police. Nothing at all. It hadn’t even entered my mind,” she said. “As a matter of fact, Frank needed to serve the time. He did wrong.”

“If she was there talking to the parole board as citizen Barbara Ehardt, we don’t have a problem with that at all,” said Idaho Falls Fraternal Order of Police President Kyle Christopherson. “It’s when she tries to influence the parole board as city council woman Barabra Ehardt.”

Ehardt said her testimony had nothing to do with city council.

“It was meant to be in support of Frank,” she said. “I did mention I served on the city council only to the extent to say that I was willing to put my reputation on the line. That he would turn around and do the right thing.”

Crazythunder has been in prison for the last five years. His parole was denied. His next hearing is scheduled for September 2020.