03/09/10

The trial for an Aberdeen man facing 7- charges related to the shooting death of a man from Rupert has been postponed from next month until the middle of this summer.

Gerry Salgado, 22, is charged with first degree murder, aggravated battery, and attempted murder, as well as grand theft, battery, conspiracy to commit drug trafficking in methamphetamine and robbery. His trial was originally set to begin April 5th.

Salgado's defense attorney Keith Roark told District Judge Michael Crabtree that Roark would need at least another month to adequately prepare for Salgado's trial. Salgado's ten day trial has been rescheduled to begin July 19th.

Meanwhile, the jury trial for a 73-year old Jerome man scheduled to start Tuesday was postponed at the request of council. Roger Bothof faces one count of misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter for allegedly hitting a pedestrian in a Jerome crosswalk in July of last year; 56-year old Lenny Silvers died from his injuries.

In October, Bothof turned down a plea offer from prosecutors that would have involved 2-years probation with a fine, community service, a year of driver's license suspension and yearly medical exams with driving tests.

In other court news, the arraignment for a Burley man facing sexual charges involving a minor female has been postponed again; Chad Burnett, 28, is charged with three counts of sexual battery of a minor child between 16 and 17 years old, and one count of statutory rape. The charges are related to events involving a young woman at Burley High School, where Burnett is a former social studies teacher and assistant football coach.

Burnett's arraignment was scheduled for Tuesday, but he hadn't been transported from prison. Tuesday's court hearing has been reset for two weeks until March 23rd.