In our Reality Check series, the Idaho Statesman team delves into accountability and key community concerns. Got a tip? Reach out to us at Tips@idahostatesman.com.
Officials in Idaho have revealed that a judge has received death threats, all stemming from false information spread on social media. The misinformation falsely accused the judge of being responsible for a 22-year-old college baseball player escaping sex offender registration linked to his lewd conduct charge involving a minor.
The backlash intensified after the sentencing of Candon Dahle, a Brigham Young University pitcher, on August 26, which was handled by Judge Steven Boyce of the 7th District. Dahle faced charges of felony injury to a child—a situation complicated by social media narratives suggesting the judge let a rapist go free.
According to a statement from the Judicial Branch, misleading posts after the sentencing claimed the presiding judge intentionally avoided a prison sentence for Dahle, instigating a wave of threats aimed at the local court system.
Importantly, state law does not mandate registration as a sex offender for those convicted solely of felony injury to a child—hence, Judge Boyce did not enforce such a requirement in this case.
Dahle was originally charged in February with lewd conduct towards a minor, but that case was reassigned after a plea deal was struck, allowing him to plead guilty to two counts of felony child injury instead. If he had been convicted of the original offense, registration as a sex offender would have been unavoidable.
As part of the plea deal—which was termed “binding”—Judge Boyce, as the third judge overseeing the case, had the power to accept or refuse the agreement but was bound by its terms concerning punishment. He sentenced Dahle to eight years of probation that could escalate to a decade in prison if violated. Additionally, Dahle was ordered to serve 180 days in jail, which Boyce emphasized was vital to serve justice.
Drawing attention to the situation, Judge Boyce indicated to Dahle, “You gain a significant benefit from this plea agreement by avoiding sex offender registration, which would have been likely necessary under other circumstances.”
During the hearing, the young victim conveyed the trauma she endured, speaking against Dahle and expressing that she felt threatened during legal discussions. Her expression of fear and reluctance to agree to the plea—which she made to preserve ties with Dahle’s family—added another layer to this troubling case.
Increase in Threats Against Judges in Idaho
Nate Poppino, a spokesperson for the state court system, mentioned in a discussion that such threats against judges are becoming alarmingly more common. “These types of issues are now prevalent online, and have been for quite some time,” he noted, although stressing not every threat arises from social media. Some threats come from individuals alone.
One particular post on a political activism Facebook page pointed out that followers should “make some good trouble” for Judge Boyce, further inflaming tensions around the case. Various creators across platforms like YouTube and TikTok misconstrued the case circumstances, labeling Boyce as the villain instead of accurately laying blame where it belongs.
The Judicial Branch recorded instances of people attempting to locate Judge Boyce following incorrect claims about his whereabouts. Doxxing and direct confrontations, including hostility directed at judges’ families, have escalated to the point that the local authorities have now augmented security measures to ensure their safety amidst an uptick in concerns.
Recognizing the complexities judges often contend with, Poppino shared that while criticism is a recognized part of the legal landscape, it’s crucial for the community to grasp the actual facts surrounding legal decisions. “We are open to people expressing their concerns, but it’s vital they understand court processes correctly. Transparency is key here,” he concluded.
