COEUR d’ALENE — The Idaho Attorney General’s Office announced it will not pursue criminal charges against Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris following an investigation into his actions during a Feb. 22, 2025 legislative town hall, where a confrontation occurred between the sheriff and local resident Teresa Borrenpohl.
The decision was outlined in a Nov. 3 letter from Deputy Attorney General Jeff Nye, issued in response to multiple public corruption complaints filed earlier this year.
Background: What Happened at the Town Hall
The event was hosted by the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee (KCRCC) at Coeur d’Alene High School. Although held on school grounds, the venue had been reserved and paid for by the KCRCC, making it a private event with rules set by the organization.
The meeting began routinely but quickly became tense as audience members repeatedly heckled legislators during their introductory remarks. Several interruptions prompted the moderator to issue multiple reminders that attendees would have a designated question-and-answer period later in the program.
According to the Attorney General’s investigation, Borrenpohl participated in several of the interruptions. The final exchange occurred when she repeatedly yelled, “Is this a lecture or a town hall?” over the moderator’s attempts to restore order. At that point, Sheriff Norris approached her and asked her to leave. When she refused, he warned she could be arrested for trespassing.
Video reviewed by investigators shows Norris taking hold of Borrenpohl’s arm before stepping back and signaling two event security volunteers to remove her. As they escorted her out, a man who had been seated between Borrenpohl and the aisle attempted to position himself between the sheriff and the removal. Norris briefly detained the man before releasing him.
AG: Sheriff Acted Within His Legal Authority
Under Idaho law, peace officers are shielded from battery charges when acting in the scope of their duties “in good faith and without malice.” The AG’s office concluded that standard was met.
The investigation determined:
- The KCRCC had authority to set rules for the event.
- Borrenpohl was repeatedly warned about speaking out of turn.
- Norris had probable cause to believe she was trespassing when she refused to leave.
- Idaho law allows the sheriff to arrest or remove individuals in those circumstances.
- The sheriff also had legal authority to enlist assistance from event security.
The AG further noted that the debate over whether the town hall was “public” or “private” did not alter the legal analysis. Even on public property, a private entity renting a space may enforce rules of decorum.
The letter also addressed Borrenpohl’s claims that her ejection violated the First Amendment. Investigators found no evidence that she was removed for her viewpoint. Instead, the sheriff intervened only after her continued refusal to stop interrupting the proceedings or comply with instructions.
As for the man who was briefly detained, the AG found no indication that Norris acted with malice. After determining the physical contact was likely accidental, the sheriff released him without charges.
Jurisdiction Limited to the Sheriff
The Attorney General’s review was narrow in scope. The office emphasized it does not have jurisdiction over Borrenpohl, the volunteer security personnel, or the man detained during the altercation. Any charging decisions regarding those individuals fall to local prosecutors.
Conclusion
The investigation concluded there was no evidence Sheriff Norris acted with malice or outside the scope of his duties. As a result, the state declined to file criminal battery charges.
Copies of the AG’s letter were sent to members of the public who submitted complaints.