Former Bannock County official’s hearing postponed until July

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — A preliminary hearing for former Bannock County Chief Deputy Coroner and North Bannock Fire Chief Jonathan Farnsworth has been rescheduled for July 14.

According to court records, Farnsworth faces four counts of lewd conduct with a minor under 16, one count of rape and one count of sexual exploitation of a child. He also faces 11 counts of possession of child sexually exploitative material.

The Bannock County Courthouse was packed Tuesday afternoon as community members gathered for the hearing. However, the proceedings lasted less than 15 minutes before the hearing was postponed.

Farnsworth's appointed attorney asked the court for a 30-day waiver, citing that he had recently been assigned to the case. The prosecuting attorney did not object to the request, stating that additional investigation is expected to take place over the next month.

Investigators say an alleged victim reported sexual abuse involving Farnsworth, leading to his arrest.

The prosecuting attorney told the court that special arrangements are being made for victims arriving at and leaving the courthouse in accordance with a no-contact order involving the two accusers.

Farnsworth previously served as Bannock County's chief deputy coroner and held a leadership position with North Bannock Fire.

Magistrate Judge Carol Jarman scheduled the preliminary hearing for July 14 at 1:30 p.m.