Defamation Lawsuit Against Kootenai Sheriff Dismissed, Refiling Expected

A defamation lawsuit filed by Coeur d’Alene photographer Pennie Collinson against Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris was dismissed by a judge due to a procedural technicality involving Idaho law requiring plaintiffs to post a bond before suing law enforcement officers. The suit accused Norris of making vulgar sexual remarks and falsely alleging that Collinson photographed child pornography at a campaign forum. Although the case was dismissed with prejudice for Collinson’s failure to post the bond in a timely manner, the judge allowed her to refile the lawsuit after the bond of $500 was posted. Several witnesses corroborated Collinson's claims, while Norris denied the allegations and called them a hoax. Collinson’s attorney confirmed plans to refile the defamation case following the dismissal. The lawsuit originally included Kootenai County but the county was later dismissed from the case.