Former Blackfoot Police officer was sentenced Wednesday in Bingham County for possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia that were taken from a drug take back box.
Feb 22, 2017
BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK) – Former Blackfoot Police officer Paul Hardwicke was sentenced Wednesday in Bingham County for possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia that were taken from a drug take back box.
At the beginning of today’s hearing, Hardwicke’s original plea was changed from not guilty to guilty to both charges.
For possession of drugs, Paul Hardwicke was sentenced to 180 days in jail and two years of formal probation. On the second charge of possession of drug paraphernalia, Hardwicke was sentenced to 180 days in jail and two years of formal probation. 178 days of that sentenced were suspended by the judge and the sentences will run concurrently. Hardwicke will still have to spend 180 days in jail.
Hardwicke was an officer for the Blackfoot Police Department for 21 years.
Hardwicke’s defense attorney argued during sentencing that Hardwicke’s actions were in part caused by mental health issues and pain. The mental health issues included PTSD and depression
