Branden Durst
A King County judge in Washington found Branden Durst, a candidate for Idaho superintendent of public instruction in the Republican primary, in contempt of court on four occasions related to the custody agreement with his ex-wife, who lives in Yelm, Washington.
Durst declined to provide a comment to the Idaho Capital Sun about the contempt order.
Durst is challenging incumbent Superintendent Sherri Ybarra for the office of superintendent, which oversees Idaho public school education for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Former Idaho State Board of Education President Debbie Critchfield is also a candidate in the May 17 Republican primary.
RELATED | State superintendent candidates take questions on education
The contempt allegations originate from events over Christmas, when Durst, according to the court documents, violated terms of the parenting plan. One of those violations included not informing the children’s mother, Jaime Charles, that the children were exposed to COVID-19 while visiting him, according to the documents.
According to the court order, the contempt findings can be corrected if Durst remains in strict compliance with the parenting plan for the next six months and if he pays the $4,203 in lawyer fees and other related expenses. The judge did not order any jail time or other penalties.
Durst was also named in a child abuse allegation against his wife, Cheri Durst, in early March, according to court documents. A Thurston County Superior Court judge in Washington issued a temporary protection order through March 16 that included Branden Durst because he allegedly watched his wife strike the child with a wooden spoon and encouraged it. Branden Durst denied that accusation, and he won’t be criminally charged in the incident, according to Ada County prosecutors.
RELATED | Superintendent candidate won’t be charged, but wife faces misdemeanor
Cheri Durst, who is a candidate for Ada County coroner in the Republican primary, pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor injury to child charge and is scheduled to appear for a pre-trial conference in Ada County court on Tuesday.
RELATED | Profane exchange between Republicans follows rejection of parental rights bill in Idaho Senate
The post Idaho superintendent candidate found in contempt of Washington court appeared first on East Idaho News.
Source: eastidahonews.com
Idaho superintendent candidate found in contempt of Washington court
More from Crime WatchMore posts in Crime Watch »
- Jefferson County prosecutor launching investigation over claims that $15,000 in public funds were misallocated
- Man who killed entire Kellogg family sentenced to life without parole
- New charges: Utah mom charged with murdering husband also tried killing him on Valentine’s Day
- Teen wearing underwear on face arrested after trying to steal car in Washington state
- Police hosting neighborhood meeting following surge in crime
More from EducationMore posts in Education »
- Idaho lawmakers just killed University of Phoenix purchase proposal. Will that doom it?
- Idaho university can’t hire lobbyists, so its alumni association got one
- 78,000 more public workers are getting student loans canceled through Biden administration changes
- Eighth grader who helps kids in Unified PE class is honored with Emmy’s Award
- Districts drop to four-day weeks despite obscure provision buried in legislation
More from IdahoMore posts in Idaho »
- Local ballroom dance team makes history at national championship
- Idaho lawmakers just killed University of Phoenix purchase proposal. Will that doom it?
- Biden administration restores threatened species protections dropped by Trump
- Idaho lawmakers clash on lack of reproductive rights legislation as session nears end
- Man who killed entire Kellogg family sentenced to life without parole
More from PoliticsMore posts in Politics »
- Biden administration restores threatened species protections dropped by Trump
- Jefferson County prosecutor launching investigation over claims that $15,000 in public funds were misallocated
- American Falls City Council cancels Hindu invocation after community feedback
- Idaho lawmakers clash on lack of reproductive rights legislation as session nears end
- ‘I was very shocked.’ Idaho Legislature launches investigation into youth treatment homes
Be First to Comment