Canyon And Kootenai Sheriffs SLAM Judge Appointed By Brad Little Who Let Child Kidnapper Off The Hook — “Pathetic!”
Canyon County is a Mess
Less than two years ago, a man drove from his home in California to Idaho and kidnapped an 11 year old girl.
That man is 21 year old Brian Sangjoon Lee. He was arrested on August 25, after the Canyon County Sheriffs department found him holed up with the 11 year old girl at a nearby hotel.
Lee was charged with kidnapping in the first degree and was held in jail on $1,000,000 bond. First degree kidnapping, according to Idaho code, is punishable by death, or life imprisonment depending on the circumstances.
After reaching a plea agreement, Lee plead down to kidnapping in the second degree, a charge which is punishable by up to 25 years in prison.
At the time of Lee’s arrest, the sheriff of Canyon County, Kieran Donahue thanked his deputies for their “quick action in investigating this case and bringing the defendant into custody,” saying that “Their actions very likely saved this young girl’s life.” Donahue continued:
“Words cannot express my gratitude for their work in stopping what could have ended in a very grave situation for this poor girl.
This case also serves as a stark reminder to all parents about the dangers online predators pose to children in our community and across the nation. Whether people want to believe it or not, human and sex trafficking certainly exists in the Treasure Valley and throughout Idaho and beyond. We have to take the blinders off and address these issues with all resources available to us."
The prosecuting attorneys in Canyon County recommended that Lee be remanded to jail for 15 years, with the possibility of parole after 5 years served.
Instead, Judge Randall S. Grove released Brian Sanjoon Lee on 5 years probation, as of January 23rd 2023. He spent less than 2 years behind bars.
Last Thursday, Canyon County Sherriff Kiran Donahue released a statement condemning Lee’s release calling him “a threat to society with a proven track record of preying on young girls. This sentencing sends the wrong message to perpetrators of crimes against children. This man belongs behind bars.”
The sentiment was echoed by Kootenai County Sherriff Bob Norris.
Very little is known about Judge Randall S. Grove, aside from the fact that he was appointed by Brad Little 2021.