John Green (Idaho politician)
John Green is an American politician, attorney, and former peace officer. Originally from Texas, Green was elected as a Republican member of the Idaho House of Representatives from District 2, but was never seated because he had just been found guilty of conspiracy to defraud the United States government in an old case in Texas. Since a convicted felon cannot serve in the Idaho Legislature, he was immediately expelled.[1]
John Green | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Idaho House of Representatives from the District 2, seat B district | |
| In office December 1, 2018 – January 16, 2020 | |
| Preceded by | Eric Redman |
| Succeeded by | Tim Remington |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 23, 1959 Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Green |
| Children | 4 |
| Alma mater | University of Houston (BS) South Texas College of Law (JD) |
| Occupation | Politician, attorney, former peace officer |
Early life and education
On February 23, 1959, Green was born in Brooklyn, New York.[2]
In 1977, Green graduated from Texas A&M University's Police Academy. In 1982, Green earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Houston. In 1986, Green earned a JD degree from South Texas College of Law.[2]
Career
Texas
In 1978, Green started his career as a peace officer and a deputy sheriff with Harris County Sheriff's Office in Texas, until 1986.[2]
Green was a criminal justice instructor at the University of Houston and San Jacinto College.[2]
In 1993, Green became an attorney and was made General Counsel and Chief Law Enforcement Advisor for the Bill of Rights Institute.[2]
Idaho
By 2012, Green had moved to Idaho and sought a position as Sheriff of Kootenai County, Idaho unsuccessfully. He was defeated by Ben Wolfinger.[3][4]
Green then sought a seat as a state representative in Idaho, even though he was being tried in Texas on felony charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States government by hiding tax funds for others. On November 6, 2018, Green won the election and became a Republican member of Idaho House of Representatives for District 2, seat B, defeating Alanna Brooks with 75.1% of the votes.[5][2] A temporary legislator, Tim Kastning, was then placed in his position until the trial in Texas was completed.[6] Green was found guilty. Since a convicted felon cannot be seated in the Idaho legislature, Green was immediately and unanimously expelled from his seat, though he vowed to appeal and return.[7][8]
Personal life
Green's wife is Elizabeth Green. They have four children. Green and his family live in Rathdrum, Idaho.[2]
References
- KEITH RIDLER (January 16, 2020). "Idaho House expels member convicted of fraud by Texas jury". apnews.com.
- "John Green's Biography". Vote Smart. Retrieved January 12, 2020.
- "Idaho Primary Election Results". khq.com. May 15, 2012. Retrieved January 12, 2020.
- "Sheriff". kcsheriff.com. Retrieved January 12, 2020.(Sheriff Ben Wolfinger)
- "2018 General Election Results". sos.idaho.gov. November 6, 2018. Retrieved January 12, 2020.
- Betsy Z. Russell (Idaho Press) (January 7, 2020). "Temporary lawmaker sworn in to fill in for Rep. John Green, who's on trial in Texas". ktvb.com.
- Russell, Betsy Z. (16 January 2020). "Idaho House unanimously expels lawmaker convicted of felony fraud in Texas". The Spokesman - Review. Retrieved 24 January 2020.
- KTVB Staff (January 16, 2020). "Rep. John Green expelled from Idaho Legislature after felony conviction: 'Today was a solemn and difficult day'". ktvb.com.