Former Idaho GOP chairman arrested in court on new charge. This time, trespassing

During his Friday morning preliminary hearing at the Ada County Courthouse on a felony stalking charge, former Idaho GOP chairman Jonathan Parker, his attorney and the prosecuting attorney all agreed to continue the hearing to August because of scheduling conflicts.

After confirming that Parker, who has also worked as a lobbyist, is currently out of custody, the judge said, “Mr. Parker, I do believe the deputies are taking you into custody on an outstanding misdemeanor warrant ... on privacy trespass.”

Ada Country Sheriff’s Office deputies then handcuffed a surprised Parker and took him into custody. The preliminary hearing was reset for Aug. 16.

Parker was booked into the Ada County Jail on misdemeanor trespass of privacy. He was released the same day after posting a bond.

According to the criminal complaint, Parker is accused of looking into a door or window in the 300 block of North Whitewater Park Boulevard on April 10. His arraignment date has not been set.

Under Idaho law, trespass of privacy is, “for any person, upon the private property of another, to intentionally look, peer or peek in the door, window, or other transparent opening of any inhabited building or other structure located thereon, without visible or lawful purpose.”

Police first arrested Parker on May 30 after investigating a call about a man acting strangely near homes in the 300 block of North Whitewater Park Boulevard, the same location where the April 10 incident occurred.

Officers made contact with that man and identified him as Parker. Further investigation revealed that there is an active protection order between Parker and a woman living nearby — his estranged wife — and Parker was then arrested and charged with felony stalking. During his arraignment, the judge issued a issued a no-contact order, which bars Parker from getting within 500 feet of his wife.

This story was originally published June 14, 2019 at 9:44 AM.