By Mike Weland

Irene Shayen

Boundary County Sheriff's Office photo

Irene entered an Alford plea on a charge of assault or battery on certain personnel, a felony, not admitting guilt but acknowledging that the evidence against her would likely result in conviction. The “certain personnel” in the violation refer to judges, peace officers, prosecuting attorneys and public defenders and corrections personnel.

In exchange for the plea agreement, charges of resisting or obstructing an officer, disturbing the peace and trespassing, all misdemeanors, were dismissed.

Judge Steve Verby accepted her plea and sentenced her to one to three years in prison, suspending that sentence and retaining jurisdiction for 365 days, during which time she’ll be incarcerated at the Idaho prison facility in Cottonwood. Once she completes that time, she’ll return to court in Boundary County, where Verby will determine whether she should be placed on probation or sent to serve the remainder of her sentence in prison.

According to victim’s statements, the two had a two-month history of suspicious behavior at Huckleberry Variety before the events that led to their arrests, often attempting to return items they claimed they had purchased but for which they had no receipt. They were also suspected of shoplifting.

On September 18, the two entered the store shortly before closing time and Irene attempted to return a towel valued at $1.49 without a receipt. When Huckleberry Variety owner Dolly Boling tried to explain that a receipt was required, both women started screaming and cursing, prompting Boling to ask them to leave. When they refused, Boling called police, and Bonners Ferry Police Chief Rick Alonzo and officer Don Moore responded within moments.

When they ordered the women out of the store, Irene remained belligerent, telling Moore the store had no right to refuse her business. While she was arguing, Irene grabbed the towel off the counter and threw it at Boling, hitting her in the face. Moore informed her she was under arrest for assault.

While Irene struggled to avoid being handcuffed, Andrea attacked Moore, prompting Alonzo to step in to restrain her. Screaming wildly, the two kicked and scratched both officers before being taken to the ground and restrained, leaving bleeding scratches on Alonzo’s arms and Moore’s neck and wrist. After being jailed, Andrea assaulted two other inmates, and was charged with two additional counts of battery. She is currently serving a one-year rider at Cottonwood, with a suspended sentence of up to four years in prison if she fails to earn the chance at probation.

“This was an aggravated situation that endangered people in a store and at the jail,” said Boundary County Prosecutor Jack Douglas. “It was totally inexcusable and well deserving of punishment. Public safety is important, and I think Judge Verby believed that, too.”