Local freelance journalist convicted of felony domestic battery

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — A local freelance journalist has been found guilty of felony domestic violence following a two-day jury trial in Bonneville County.

A jury found David Helaman George, 36, of Idaho Falls, guilty of one count of felony domestic battery inflicting traumatic injury on Sept. 15, according to a Tuesday release from the Bonneville County Prosecutor’s Office. George was acquitted on a second count.

The conviction stems from an investigation conducted by the Idaho Falls Police Department. George was charged in February 2025 and pleaded not guilty the following April.

George previously worked as a freelance reporter for East Idaho News. In a statement, Managing Editor Nate Sunderland confirmed the outlet was aware of the verdict.

"As a result, he will no longer be freelancing for our publication," Sunderland said. "We don't generally write about domestic incidents, and when we do, we wait until after sentencing, which has not yet happened in this case."

George is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 16, 2026 before Judge Joel Tingey. He faces up to 10 years in state prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.