Former Idaho City Councilman Makes Plea in Fraud Case

REXBURG, Idaho (AP) — The former head of the Rigby City Council has pleaded guilty to insurance fraud in connection with his handling of the estate of a deceased client. Lawrence Blackburn entered an Alford Plea in the case Monday.

And Alford Plea means Blackburn doesn't admit guilt, but acknowledges there is enough evidence in the case for a jury to convict. The Post Register reports the criminal behavior stems from Blackburn's handling of the estate of Margaret Orvick. In documents, prosecutors said Blackburn identified himself as Orvick's son and listed three of his children as beneficiaries of her estate.

Court records claim Blackburn used Orvick's accounts for personal expenses, utility bills and hotel rooms. He resigned from the city council in February and moved to Arizona, where he was arrested in May.