Idaho Man’s Jail Letters Prompt New Charges

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A jailed Nampa man accused of kidnapping and beating his ex-girlfriend now faces a new round of charges after he sent letters from jail asking people he knew to convince the victim to drop her allegations.

The Idaho Statesman reports 34-year-old Arturo Mendoza has been in Canyon County jail since February and is now charged with three counts of criminal solicitation to commit a crime.

Mendoza admitted he wrote the letters but denied any intent to threaten or contact the alleged victim.

Mendoza wrote his sister asking her to promise money or a car to the alleged victim. In a letter to his girlfriend, Mendoza asks her to tell his sister to persuade the woman to drop her allegations.

His preliminary hearing on the new charges is June 18.