Prosecuting Attorney Bonneville County Idaho

08/31/2026

After 39 years and 9 months of service to the people of Bonneville County, Civil Division Chief Scott Hall has retired. If you haven't heard much about our civil division, well that's just the way he liked it. Prosecuting Attorneys in Idaho are designated as the legal advisors to the County Commissioners and the various county constitutional officers and departments. This means everything from personnel matters, limiting civil liability and risk, public meeting law, public records and lawsuits against the county just to name a few. Unquestionably his vast knowledge and common sense approach saved taxpayers millions of dollars over the years.

Scott will be succeeded by Weston Davis, our current Deputy Civil Chief. Because of the mentoring and institutional knowledge that Scott passed on, Bonneville County will feel Scott's influence for decades to come.

Scott, we thank you for your incredible service over these many years and we wish you all the best!

08/17/2026

There's great news in the latest crime rate report from the Idaho State Police and FBI. In 2025, of the 12 largest counties in Idaho, Bonneville County had the largest decrease in crimes per 1000 (-28.78%), the second largest decrease in overall crimes reported (-15.54%) and the third lowest rate of "Group A" (most serious crimes) per 100,000 (and the first two are counties with about a third of our population).

There's a tremendous number of factors that goes into crime rates, but this certainly is a credit to the teamwork of law enforcement, prosecutors and community members in dealing with what was previously seen as an inevitable increase of crime associated with our recent growth.

Law enforcement officials are always nervous about reading too much into such statistics, but I feel we need to enjoy the "W" and recognize that investments in proactive law enforcement and aggressive prosecution can deter crime, even in the face of explosive growth.

These are objective numbers that contradict the frequent misinformation being circulated around social media. In Bonneville County, criminals are being held accountable, and those with addictions and mental illness are being required to seek treatment.

Bonneville County Prosecutors and our criminal justice partners have been answering the call, overcoming overwhelming odds to improve our outcomes in court, and we can see it making a difference. We are committed to continuing to fight the just fight.

The report can be found on the Idaho State Police website under "Crime in Idaho"

07/04/2026

Future prosecutors(?) sporting the 8BPA USA250 merch at the parade

07/03/2026

Don’t forget to wish Idaho a happy birthday! The 43rd state, July 3, 1890. Esto Perpetua!

07/03/2026

Happy Birthday America! As we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America we want to thank everyone in our community who joins with us in the fight for justice! Law enforcement, the courts and we want to especially thank those who answer the call as jurors. We all have a part to play in supporting and protecting the constitution in real life. And we also recognize those who are teaching our youth to be patriotic and to appreciate the freedom and opportunities of our great country. Proud to be American 250!

05/29/2026

After a five day jury trial, a Bonneville County jury on March 6, 2026, found Xue Fang Lu, 60, of Idaho Falls, guilty of felony Interstate Trafficking of Prostitution and felony Procurement of Prostitution related to an illicit massage business that was operated out of the Fairbridge Inn in Idaho Falls from March until May 2024. Lu was sentenced on May 29, 2026.

The State argued for 18 years in prison with a minimum of 6 years before eligibility to apply for parole. The Defense argued for a rider. Seventh District Judge Brendon Taylor sentenced Lu to a unified sentence of 20 years in prison with a minimum of 5 years which must be served before eligibility to apply for parole.

Bonneville County Prosecuting Attorney Randy Neal represented the State. The Idaho Falls Police Department was the lead law enforcement agency. The Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center provided services to the victim of the trafficking.

"Law enforcement agencies throughout Bonneville County are committed to working together to keep these kind of illegal activities from getting a toehold in our community," Neal said.

05/11/2026

Taylor Alan Aughenbaugh, 20, of Idaho Falls, was sentenced May 11 for Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon related to a shooting which resulted in the injury of two victims at Compass Academy in Idaho Falls in February, 2024.

The State argued for a unified sentence of 25 years in prison, with no eligibility for parole for 5 years. The defense argued for a rider. The Honorable Jason D. Walker, Seventh District Judge, sentenced Aughenbaugh to 25 years in prison, with no eligibility for parole for at least 5 years.

Bonneville County Prosecuting Attorney Randy Neal argued on behalf of the State. The Idaho Falls Police Department was the primary investigating agency.

05/09/2026

Last week nearly all of the Bonneville County prosecutors as well as officers from several local law enforcement agencies attended human trafficking training here in Idaho Falls. At the same time, Bonneville County Prosecuting Attorney Randy Neal was part of a handful of prosecutors from across the nation invited to an advanced training on the prosecution of human trafficking held at the Justice Department in Washington D. C.

This is not a problem in a far off distant place. Currently, we are in the process of identifying multiple individuals and organizations, and as many as 57 victims right here in Bonneville County. Under the leadership of Bonneville County Sheriff Sam Hulse and others, a task force involving local law enforcement, victim advocates, and other interested agencies has been formed. We are fully committed to this complex effort.

To those who would engage in these activities, be forewarned: we will identify you, we will arrest and prosecute you, we will seize your ill-gotten assets and you will go to prison.

Bonneville County is off limits to human trafficking.

If you are a victim or suspect you know a victim of human trafficking, reach out to any law enforcement officer or the Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center (208) 529-4352.

05/06/2026

If you know anything about any of these cases please contact local law enforcement who can get you in touch with the right investigators.

Fort Hall Business Council Chairwoman Donna Thompson statement on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People.

05/01/2026

On April 29, 2026, after a three day trial, a Bonneville County jury found Douglas Dan Gneiting, 48, of Idaho Falls, guilty of one count of felony First Degree Stalking. The jury found Gneiting not guilty on one count of witness intimidation.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 30, 2026, and Gneiting could face one year minimum to five years in prison.

The State was represented in the trial by Bonneville County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Leighton Linning. The Idaho Falls Police Department was the lead investigative agency.

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Ref: Bonneville County Case No. CR10-25-09160