By Michelle Costa
It's been just about a year since Caribou County Prosecutor Criss James was charged with dismissing charges in exchange for money. Thursday, James pled guilty to an agreement made between the State and Defense.
The State reduced the charged from seven felony counts to one misdemeanor of violation of public office for personal gain.
Day two of the trial was supposed to start early this morning. But after two hours of recess, the jurors entered the courtroom just to be sent home again. The jury seats are now empty and Judge Bush has made his final ruling.
"Judge Bush: ‘how do you plead?' Criss James: ‘Guilty.'"
It's the first time Criss James ever admitted doing anything wrong.
"If I looked back, I would do things differently," said Criss James, Caribou County Prosecutor.
The State said there was indisputable evidence against him.
"Checks went from Criss James' office to his hands to his personal account," said Justin Whatcott, Deputy Attorney General.
An account the Fair Board didn't know about.
"Whatcott: ‘You didn't know dismissing charges for donations?' Humble: ‘No', " said Delvin Humble, Caribou County Fair Board Member.
The Defense said James' actions were wrong. But, he never intended to use the $2,600 of donations from 10 separate occasions for himself.
"I never intended to use for anything but the Fair," said Criss James.
After a hearing lasting two hours ....
"You knew what you were doing was something you shouldn't have been doing," said Judge Ronald Bush, 6th District.
Judge Bush sentenced James to 90 days in county jail, a sentence which will be suspended and two years probation unsupervised along with 150 hours of community service.
Criss James will continue serving as Prosecuting Attorney until his term finishes in January.
He's fined $1,000 and $575 of other court fees.
James will have to forfeit all money in the account to the County Treasurer. In addition, the merchandise bought from this account will go to the Fair Board.
