NORTH END BOISE, Idaho — A federal jury has reached a verdict in the trial of former Caldwell Police Sgt. Ryan Bendawald, who faced 5 felony charges – three counts of deprivation of rights under color of law and two counts of federal bribery– alleging he abused his power while on duty. The jury found him not guilty on all counts.

No cameras were allowed inside the courtroom throughout the proceedings. Closing arguments wrapped up earlier today, and jurors deliberated for only a couple of hours before returning with their decision. The jury panel was made up of 5 men and 7 women.

Bendawald was charged with two counts of deprivation of rights under color of law and three counts of bribery. Prosecutors argued he used his badge and authority to target vulnerable women, at times leveraging

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