There are two candidates running for Jefferson County Prosecuting attorney in the May 21 Primary Election; incumbent Mark Taylor and former Prosecutor Paul Butikofer.
As former prosecutor and the current incumbent, both candidates have experience with the work the office requires of them; according to Butikofer, these requirements are not limited to expertise in criminal law, but a working knowledge of civil law and the ability to manage deputy attorneys and office staff.
“Between prosecution, defense, and my military service, I have over thirty years of criminal law experience,” Butikofer stated. “I have handled thousands of criminal cases from beginning to end, to include dozens of jury trials to verdict.”
These cases he has seen from start finish include everything from traffic infractions to murders and a substantial amount of civil and civil trial work.
Butikofer has chosen to run again, he said, because he believes the county deserves better legal representation than what they are receiving.
According to Taylor, in his time as Prosecutor his office has diligently prosecuted all viable criminal cases and has collaborated with others to refine county ordinances and to foster a culture of fair and consistent application of the law.
“I’ve spearheaded efforts to enhance school safety, both locally and statewide,” he said, “But there’s still more to do.”
In his opinion, the county needs to continue improving ordinances to ensure they’re enforced fairly.
Butikofer claims Taylor has never handled a single criminal case from start to finish, nor has he ever chaired a jury trial of any kind. He stated this has resulted in a loss of confidence by law enforcement, victims and the community. He followed the claim by stating the Prosecutor’s office under him in 2019 secured 64 felony convictions while the current office secured only 42 in 2023.
He further indicated in in 2022, under Taylor, the office secured only 2 sex offense convictions while the following year, only one. Butikofer stated his own office in 2019 secured 15.
“This reduction is not because we have less crime,” Butikofer said. “It is because we have less accountability. My plan to fix this problem is to be personally involved in criminal prosecution, set internal policy encouraging deputies to pursue difficult cases, and hire sufficient personnel to handle the increased workload.”
However, Taylor states there is currently much disinformation concerning sentencing which portrays his office as soft on crime. He states sentencing decisions belong solely to the judge, while defense and prosecution make recommendations. The Idaho Department of Corrections’ pre-sentencing investigation report, which is submitted after guilt is established, significantly influences sentencing.
Such was the case for Dillon Butikofer, Taylor said, where prosecutors (throughout the state) often state in plea agreements to align with the IDOC’s recommendation. As a result of the Dillon Butikofer case, Taylor said, concurring with IDOC is no longer a plea agreement in his Prosecuting Office for severe crimes.
Taylor also stated his inability to address rumors about the Rigby Middle School Shooter’s case.
“I can only confirm that the shooter pleaded guilty to three counts of attempted murder and was placed in the Idaho Department of Juvenile Correction’s custody,” Taylor said. “I have no say in the IDJC’s decisions once a defendant is in their custody.
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