Idler jailed for child abuse, assault

Josh Idler of Sundance has been jailed on charges of child abuse and aggravated assault and battery.

Judge James Michael Causey weighed arguments from either side before finding that the sentence that was recommended in Idler's plea agreement should be imposed.

In that agreement, Idler admitted to two felony charges of child abuse and one of aggravated assault and battery. The first two involved pushing minors under the age of 18 into a bathtub, causing injury, and the latter charge involved intentionally kicking his wife, who he knew was pregnant.

In return, the state dropped several additional charges and recommended that the court impose between eight and ten years per count, to run concurrently.

Idler appeared in court for sentencing on January 18. Attorney Christina Williams argued in Idler's defense that he has worked hard since his arrest to better himself.

She presented 38 character letters from members of the community, stating that this is the most she has received for a client during her career.

"They're very substantive letters," she told the court, from people who have known Idler for most of his life. She said that recurring themes within the letters include that he works hard, is very involved in his kids' activities and shows support for community members through his business.

Williams described the many counselling programs in which Idler has participated, as well as a psychiatric evaluation. He has increased his counselling to weekly and undergone "extensive group therapy", she said, as well as "hours of anger management" and a 12-step program dealing with "the circumstances that have brought him to court today".

He is also now medicated for his diagnosed issues, she said.

According to Williams, the psychiatrist noted Idler is a victim of childhood sexual abuse who suffers from depression, PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder. He has suffered additional traumatizing events in his adult life, she said, and has additional stressors such as responsibility for a large family and a business.

Williams stated that Idler has put "extensive effort" into building a support network and has been looking into relocating, "to give his family space". Keeping in place an order forbidding him from having contact with his family "is certainly appropriate", she said.

Should the court decide to give Idler a suspended sentence, Williams argued, he would be in a position to continue supporting his children as he has until now.

"Going to prison would preclude that," she said.

Idler knows he has made mistakes as a father and husband and has done considerable work to understand himself and how to be a better person, Williams said.

"He's admitting what he's done and is trying to change and evolve," she stated.

However, while Deputy County Attorney Jeani Stone did not dispute Idler's efforts, she reminded the court of "why we're here today".

She noted that another common theme of the character letters is that each writer states they are aware of the charges against Idler, but then go on to talk about their own relationship with him.

Sometimes, she said, our opinions are based on a snapshot of that person; only a handful truly know us as the people we really are. Idler, she said, has shown us the type of person he is.

Restating some of the accusations against Idler, she noted that "It's really the same type of behavior" as that for which Idler was found guilty during a 2021 case, on which Judge Stuart S. Healy III is expected to decide on February 1 whether his probation should be revoked.

Stone stated that she wanted everyone to understand the gravity and severity of the charges and suggested that those who were sitting on Idler's side of the court should perhaps consider moving to support his wife and children on the other side.

Stone also read victim statements from Idler's wife and two of his children, in which each described the treatment they allege they were subjected to at his hands.

Stone argued that Idler should not be given a suspended sentence on the basis that he appeared in court recently accused of violating the terms of a protection order that said he could not be in the vicinity of his wife or children.

"He can't be successful and he chooses not to be successful," she said.

It's not an excuse that he has had a tough life, Stone said. He had an opportunity to improve after he was found guilty in 2021 and chose not to follow through, she said, "And at this point he is a danger to his children and his wife".

Idler himself spoke during the hearing, stating that, "The sorrow and grief as a result of my actions has been unimaginable" but expressing gratitude for the people in his life who have supported him. He said he is willing to do whatever it takes to "make it right".

Judge Causey delivered his sentence along with an explanation as to why he chose to honor the plea agreement.

"We are dealing with three very serious felonies," he said.

He concurred that the character statements and his efforts to improve himself, as well as his relatively short criminal history, are in his favor.

However, he noted a statement from the 2021 case that Idler was very sorry and would be diving into counseling and making efforts. While the court does not doubt those efforts, said the judge, it is concerned by "repeat behavior".

Due to Idler's failure to meet the terms of his probation in the previous case, Judge Causey also found that he was not an appropriate candidate for probation in this one.

He sentenced Idler to between eight and ten years and a $3000 fine on each count, with credit for 153 days already served. The sentences will run concurrently.