Update: Felony charges dropped against all athletes

January 5, 2011

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The Morning News—Melanie Moore Nathan Walker, left, is seated next to his attorney Steve Blaser as Logan Chidester, far right, sits next to his attorney, Justin Oleson during a preliminary hearing Wednesday.

BLACKFOOT — Bingham County Prosecutors agreed to dismiss all remaining felony charges against Logan Chidester and Nathan Walker.
Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Randy Smith said they reached an agreement with the defense to work toward a resolution.
The preliminary hearing for the case involving two former Blackfoot High School athletes began Wednesday morning.
Logan Chidester and Nathan Walker both faced two felony counts of forcible sexual penetration using a foreign object. Felony charges facing Tyson Katseanes and Anthony Clarke were dismissed Tuesday.
Testimony from Bingham County Sheriff's Office Detective Justin Dance indicated 15-20 individuals have been interviewed since the investigation began in September. Two separate alleged victims were also called to testify, revealing details of the incidents that occurred.
The incidents, which occurred during the basketball season last year, have been described as "schussing," which was described by one alleged victim as the act of being held down while an attempt is made to penetrate the anus using fingers.
Prior to beginning the preliminary hearing, Katseanes pleaded guilty to one count of principal to a battery. The two remaining charges of false imprisonment have been dismissed. Katseanes will be sentenced Thursday morning.
A full article will appear in Thursday's Morning News.