Sheriff Bob Norris Legal Troubles: Active Lawsuits, Tort Claims, and Ongoing Litigation in Kootenai County
Article Update Notice – June 19, 2026
This article is actively maintained and updated as new court filings, tort claims, public records, lawsuit developments, and official responses become available. Because several matters involving Sheriff Bob Norris, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, and Kootenai County remain ongoing, information may change as additional documents are filed, investigations progress, or litigation advances.
The information contained in this article reflects the most current information available to us as of June 19, 2026. Readers are encouraged to check back regularly for updates, newly filed lawsuits, amended claims, court rulings, and other relevant developments.
1. Borrenpohl Federal Civil Rights Lawsuit Arising from the February 2025 Town Hall Incident
Status: Active Federal Lawsuit
The most publicly visible case involving Sheriff Norris stems from the February 22, 2025 legislative town hall at Coeur d’Alene High School.
Teresa Borrenpohl alleges her constitutional rights were violated after Norris ordered her removal from the event. Video of the incident, which showed Borrenpohl being forcibly removed by private security personnel, received national attention and sparked widespread criticism.
The lawsuit alleges violations of Borrenpohl’s constitutional rights, including free speech protections and unlawful seizure claims.
The incident also prompted an investigation by the Idaho Attorney General. Although criminal charges were ultimately declined against Norris, the civil litigation continues.
Key Allegations
- First Amendment violations
- Fourth Amendment violations
- Abuse of authority
- Unlawful removal from a public event
Related Coverage
2. Gregg Johnson Tort Claim
$2.5 Million Claim Arising from the February 2025 Legislative Town Hall Incident
Status: Federal Lawsuit Expected
Gregg Johnson filed a tort claim against Kootenai County arising from the February 2025 legislative town hall incident that also resulted in litigation brought by Teresa Borrenpohl.
Johnson alleges he was physically detained after questioning actions taken against Borrenpohl during the event. According to public reports and statements surrounding the claim, Johnson alleges Sheriff Bob Norris pushed him against a wall, spread his legs, and restrained him with zip ties despite Johnson not being accused of committing a crime.
The tort claim reportedly seeks approximately $2.5 million in damages and alleges violations of Johnson’s constitutional rights stemming from the incident.
An update provided by Johnson’s counsel, Daniel Sheckler, indicates that the matter remains under investigation as attorneys continue preparing for litigation involving alleged constitutional rights violations. According to the update, the statutory 90-day period following the filing of the tort claim has expired without settlement. Johnson’s attorney has indicated that a federal civil rights complaint is expected to be filed in United States District Court prior to February 22, 2027.
If filed, the lawsuit would become another federal court challenge arising from the controversial legislative town hall incident and could further scrutinize the actions of Sheriff Bob Norris and other officials involved in the event.
Key Allegations
- Excessive force
- Unlawful detention
- Constitutional rights violations
- Improper restraint and seizure
Related Coverage
Tort Claim Documents
Update: Sheriff Norris Testified Regarding His Role in the February 2025 Town Hall Incident
In December 2025, Sheriff Bob Norris testified as a defense witness during the criminal trial of Paul Trouette, owner of Lear Asset Management, whose personnel were involved in the removal of attendees from the February 22, 2025 Kootenai County Republican Central Committee legislative town hall.
During his testimony, Norris described himself as the primary peace officer on scene and stated that he believed the event was escalating toward a potential confrontation. He testified that he repeatedly instructed Teresa Borrenpohl to leave, physically engaged with her during the removal process, and directed or coordinated with private security personnel from Lear Asset Management.
Norris also testified regarding his interactions with Gregg Johnson, acknowledging that Johnson was removed from the event after protesting Borrenpohl’s removal. Court testimony reportedly described Johnson being pushed against a wall and restrained during the incident.
The testimony has become significant because portions of Norris’ courtroom statements have been cited by critics and litigants as differing from some of his earlier public statements regarding his involvement in security operations at the event.
The February 2025 town hall continues to generate legal fallout. In addition to Gregg Johnson’s pending federal civil rights action, Teresa Borrenpohl filed a federal lawsuit in May 2026 in the United States District Court for the District of Idaho, naming Sheriff Bob Norris, KCRCC officials, Paul Trouette, Lear Asset Management, and others as defendants.
3. Pennie Collinson v. Robert Norris
Defamation Lawsuit Refiled After Initial Dismissal
Status: Active State Court Litigation
Pennie Collinson filed a defamation lawsuit against Sheriff Norris after alleging he publicly accused her of being a pedophile during a candidate forum in the 2024 election cycle.
An earlier version of the lawsuit was dismissed on procedural grounds related to Idaho notice requirements. The dismissal was not a ruling on the truth or falsity of the allegations.
Collinson subsequently refiled the lawsuit in Kootenai County District Court.
Key Allegations
- Defamation
- Slander
- False light
- Emotional distress
Court Documents
Case Information: CV28-25-4956 | Pennie Collinson Plaintiff, vs. Robert Norris Defendant (June 19, 2025)
3. Zachary Love v. Kootenai County, Stanley Mortenson, Chelsey Torgeson, Josh Boyd, and Bob Norris
Civil Rights and Prosecutorial Misconduct Lawsuit
Status: Active Federal Litigation
Originally filed in Kootenai County District Court and later removed to federal court, Zachary Love’s lawsuit names Sheriff Bob Norris, Kootenai County Prosecutor Stanley Mortenson, Deputy Prosecutor Chelsey Torgeson, former Coeur d’Alene Tribal Police Detective Josh Boyd, and Kootenai County itself.
According to the complaint, Love alleges he was unlawfully removed from a vehicle during a February 9, 2024 traffic stop and subjected to unlawful searches and seizures. The complaint further alleges prosecutorial misconduct, malicious prosecution, abuse of legal process, and Brady violations during subsequent criminal proceedings.
The lawsuit claims multiple criminal charges brought against Love were eventually dismissed, and alleges county officials knowingly pursued unsupported charges while withholding evidence favorable to the defense.
Sheriff Norris is named in his official capacity as the elected sheriff responsible for operation of the Kootenai County Jail.
Claims Asserted in the Complaint
- Battery
- Conversion
- Unreasonable Search and Seizure
- Prosecutorial Misconduct
- Malicious Prosecution
- Abuse of Legal Process
- Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress
Damages Sought
The complaint requests:
- $1.5 million in punitive damages
- Additional compensatory damages
- Other relief deemed appropriate by the court
Supporting Documents
Summuns and Complaint (pdf)
Demand for Jury Trial (pdf)
Related Coverage
5. Ryan McClintock Tort Claim
$3 Million Claim Alleges Jail Misconduct, Isolation, and Mental Health Neglect
Status: Tort Claim Filed – Litigation Possible
On June 2, 2026, Ryan John McClintock filed a Notice of Tort Claim against Kootenai County, Sheriff Bob Norris, jail officials, and the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.
The claim alleges McClintock was experiencing a documented mental health crisis beginning in April 2026 and that county officials ignored known mental health concerns while placing him into maximum security confinement. The filing further alleges jail staff subjected him to prolonged isolation, denied showers, denied clothing, failed to conduct required wellness reviews, and ignored jail grievance procedures.
The claim specifically alleges Sheriff Norris personally participated in communications involving McClintock while he was under a court-ordered mental health evaluation and attempted to use an intermediary regarding the release of impounded property.
The filing also references communications involving John Padula and members of McClintock’s family.
Key Allegations
- Failure to provide mental health treatment
- Deliberate indifference to medical needs
- Improper maximum-security classification
- Prolonged isolation
- Due process violations
- Equal protection violations
- Cruel and unusual punishment
- Improper third-party communications
Damages Sought
$3,000,000
Supporting Documents
McClintock Tort Claim (pdf)
Related Coverage
Video Segment: The Ryan McClintock Incident: What Happened Before The Baseball Bat?
6. Mary Erin Molyneaux Tort Claim Alleges Medical Neglect, Unsanitary Conditions, and Constitutional Violations at Kootenai County Jail
Another significant tort claim filed against Kootenai County and the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office comes from Mary Erin Molyneaux, who alleges she was subjected to serious medical neglect, inhumane confinement conditions, and violations of her constitutional rights while incarcerated at the Kootenai County Jail between December 2025 and January 2026.
According to the claim, Molyneaux entered the jail with a documented diagnosis of H. pylori infection and an active prescription for antibiotics. She alleges jail medical personnel repeatedly refused to provide the prescribed medication despite ongoing requests and documentation from outside medical providers.
The claim further alleges that after obtaining a court-ordered medical furlough, jail personnel interfered with communications, delayed her release for medical appointments, and failed to comply with portions of court orders signed by First Judicial District Judge Barry McHugh.
Perhaps the most serious allegations involve Molyneaux’s return to the jail following her temporary release. She claims deputies repeatedly accused her of concealing contraband based on body scanner results that ultimately proved unfounded. As a result, she alleges she was confined for more than 30 hours in a holding cell contaminated with human feces and vomit without adequate bedding, sanitation supplies, food, or water.
The tort claim also alleges jail staff ignored signs of a medical emergency after recording a blood pressure reading of 168/128 mmHg while she was dehydrated, sleep-deprived, and suffering from untreated medical conditions. According to the filing, the only treatment provided was two antacid tablets before she was returned to the cell.
The claim names Kootenai County, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, WellPath LLC, jail administrators, medical staff, and Sheriff Bob Norris in connection with the alleged conduct. Molyneaux is seeking $5 million in damages for physical injuries, emotional distress, and alleged violations of her rights under the Fourth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments.
Read the Tort Claim: LINK TO TORT CLAIM
A Growing Pattern of Legal Challenges
While each case involves different facts and remains subject to judicial review, several recurring themes appear throughout the lawsuits and tort claims currently involving Sheriff Norris and the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office:
- Alleged civil rights violations
- Alleged abuse of government authority
- Claims involving detention and confinement
- Claims involving prosecutorial conduct
- Questions regarding transparency and accountability
- Allegations involving jail operations and inmate treatment
Whether these allegations ultimately succeed in court remains to be determined. However, the number of active lawsuits and pending claims now involving Sheriff Norris, Kootenai County officials, and the Sheriff’s Office represents one of the largest concentrations of legal challenges facing any elected official in Kootenai County government.
This article will be updated as additional filings, rulings, settlements, or dismissals occur.