U.S. Attorney Issues Second Statement on Twin Falls Assault Case

U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson issues the following statement:

“Many in the press, public and online bloggers are misinterpreting the statement I issued on Friday, June 24, 2016, in support of the five-year-old victim of an assault in Twin Falls, Idaho, and in support of the law enforcement authorities there who are prosecuting the case.  The statement was not intended to and does not threaten to arrest or prosecute anyone for First Amendment protected speech.

I issued the statement because public officials in Twin Falls have received threats.  Certain threatening or harassing communications may violate federal law and will be investigated.  I am also concerned that intentionally false and inflammatory rumors are creating an unsafe environment in Twin Falls.  In this case, it appears that the threats have resulted from false and inflammatory information spread about this crime, often times by those from outside of the community.  I encourage all to be patient while the juvenile justice system works.  I also encourage all to support this victim and her family.”