Idaho Businesswoman Convicted of 22 Criminal Charges

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A businesswoman who once led one of Idaho's most-powerful building groups was convicted in Boise of 22 criminal counts, including filing false tax returns and conspiracy to defraud the United States.

Elaine Martin of Meridian was found guilty in U.S. District Court on Thursday following a 26-day trial. Slated to be sentenced on Dec. 9, Martin faces potential punishment of decades behind bars. In addition, the government is seeking more than $9.2 million in forfeiture from Martin, the amount prosecutors contend represents the proceeds she obtained as a result of the criminal conduct.

Martin, a former Associated General Contractors president in Idaho, was on trial alongside Darrell Swigert, a prominent Idaho hockey promoter. Swigert was convicted of crimes including obstruction of justice and will be sentenced in December, as well.