Security guards plead not guilty to battery in north Idaho town hall incident

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — The security guards involved in the controversial removal of Teresa Borrenpohl from a town hall meeting in Kootenai County have pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges of battery and false imprisonment. The incident occurred in February at a high school auditorium hosting several Republican legislators.

During the event, some audience members cheered, while others, including Borrenpohl, made comments or interruptions. Following a confrontation with Kootenai County Sheriff Norris, unmarked security guards forcibly removed Borrenpohl from the venue.

Paul Trouette, Russell Dun, Christopher Berg, and Jessie Jones, the security guards involved, were also cited for not adhering to private security codes. Their employer, Lear Asset Management, has since had its city license revoked. Court records indicate that Borrenpohl sustained bruising and abrasions during the incident. Police have identified three other individuals who were also forcibly removed from the event.

In addition to the security guards, Michael Keller, who was not working as security, faces a battery charge for allegedly shoving Borrenpohl's friend to the ground. The charge of false imprisonment carries a potential penalty of up to one year in jail, while misdemeanor battery could result in a six-month jail sentence.