BONNERS FERRY, ID — The Boundary County Sheriff’s Office has recommended criminal charges against former Detention Sergeant Bryant Brown following a renewed investigation into a previously unprosecuted incident inside the county jail.
Sheriff Travis Stolley issued a statement Monday acknowledging that the incident occurred prior to his administration but said his office moved forward after discovering no record of a formal criminal investigation under previous leadership.
“I first learned about the incident during my campaign,” Stolley said. “Once in office, I began reviewing policies and procedures in the detention facility. Accountability starts with holding ourselves responsible, even when it reveals uncomfortable truths.”
According to Stolley, his administration located no investigative documentation of the incident. The only existing video evidence came from an outside agency that received it during a POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) decertification inquiry initiated under former Sheriff Dave Kramer’s administration.
The sheriff credited the late Boundary County Civil Attorney Tevis Hull with preserving the video evidence after requesting a copy for potential civil review. With the help of then-Chief Deputy Dale Anderson, Stolley said the current administration launched a formal criminal investigation that has now led to a charge recommendation.
Stolley also confirmed his office is reviewing another unrelated case involving a different former detention deputy and inmate for potential prosecution.
“To be clear, neither matter was ever formally referred to the prosecutor’s office for criminal charges,” Stolley stated. “While the prior administration did take steps to address the issue internally, including the POST decertification process, the gravity of the situation cannot be overlooked.”
The sheriff emphasized that his administration’s approach centers on transparency and accountability.
“We won’t cut breaks on potential criminal behavior just because someone works for the sheriff’s office,” Stolley said. “By addressing this now, we’re ensuring these matters receive the attention they deserve through a transparent process.”
