BOISE, Idaho – The trial for former Caldwell Police Department sergeant Ryan Bendawald, who is accused of sexually abusing women, has been rescheduled for next year. Court documents filed in late December reveal that Bendawald’s jury trial, initially set to begin on Monday at the federal courthouse in Boise, has been postponed until January 21, 2025.
Bendawald’s defense team argued that they require more time to adequately prepare for the trial. According to federal court records, the defense lawyers cited the extensive volume of documents received in the discovery process as the reason for needing additional time to conduct their investigation, review the discovery, and prepare their defense. The prosecution did not oppose the defense’s request for a continuance.
The judge granted the continuance, stating that it would allow the defense counsel the opportunity to provide an effective defense. Bendawald was indicted by a grand jury in October on charges including deprivation of rights under color of law and federal program bribery. If convicted on all charges, he could face a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Shortly after the indictment, Bendawald pleaded not guilty to the charges. The allegations against Bendawald involve claims of sexual abuse and the exchange of sex for favorable treatment while he served as an officer with the Caldwell PD. The U.S. Attorney’s Office alleges that he violated the civil rights of at least seven women and abused his position as a law enforcement officer between 2017 and 2021.
In 2021, Bendawald resigned from the Caldwell Police Department in the midst of an ongoing FBI investigation into the department.
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In summary, the trial of former Caldwell police sergeant Ryan Bendawald, accused of sexually abusing women, has been postponed to January 2025. Bendawald’s defense team requested additional time to prepare for the trial, citing the need to review discovery materials. If found guilty on all charges, Bendawald could face a life sentence. The allegations against him involve the violation of women’s civil rights and the abuse of his position as a law enforcement officer. Bendawald resigned from the Caldwell Police Department in 2021 during an FBI investigation. Stay updated on local news by relying on trusted sources like KTVB.