Sheriff has his son arrested on drug charge

all i can say is wow = what a difficult decision to have to make

Sheriff, good for you. You will sleep better at night.... And, good for your son.

I like Sheriff Rick Layher and its sad about his son, However;

its Parent Rick Layher not Sheriff Layher who will have to live with the fact his son will now have a life time of unemployment because his son will now be a life time Felon

there could have been another way other than the justice system to deal with this problem , its sad.

Rick Layher won't feel that now, but 10 years from now or 20 his son will be sleeping on the street, he'll never , ever be able too get a job

I don't feel for his son, he'll have to live his own life.

I feel sad for the Parent who has to live with this , a life time of IM SORRY IM SORRY SON

Freedom

I have to say that I don't totally agree with you. Having a personal experience myself with family members addicted to METH it is one of the most addicting drugs out there. I have done tons of research on METH. Ninety-three percent of those in treatment return to abuse. This statistic is horrific.

Unless you have been addicted to METH or have had a loved one addicted you have absolutely no idea what this drug does to not only the person abusing it...but to their family who loves them so much. We all love our children and would do anything for them and I think at this point Rick did the right thing. Sometimes it takes jail or prison to help turn someones life around. Yes... there might be a felony on the record but sometimes that's what needs to happen. At least now his parents don't have to worry everyday if they are going to find him dead somewhere because of METH.

Also have you ever checked the prices of a GOOD rehab? It's very expensive and then again the addict has to want to go or else it doesn't do anyone any good. And with METH addicts when they are using they always think that they don't have a problem and they think they can quit on their own but they can't!!

So in the end Rick made the right decision what is best for his son and their family now..and that is what we do as parents... what we think is right. In the end John will thank Rick for doing it someday....this is not the end for John (as you stated "a life time of unemployment because his son will now be a life time Felon") this is only a new beginning for John Rick and their family who just want John back.

We should as a community only try to be positive. I know personally how hard this time is going to be for Rick, John, and his family.

Freedom. Apparently you have no clue how hard it must have been for Rick to do this. Rick might just have saved his sons life and for that, he deserves nothing less than respect and admiration.

It's not true that felons can't get jobs, apparently you have no clue what you're talking about in that area either. I know people who are felons and they have jobs, they are not living on the street.

Rick's son made a decision and it was a bad one. Rick is not to blame for the decisions his son has made. I am guessing, maybe wrongly, maybe not, that you have no clue about the history behind the drug use involved here.

There comes a point when "another way" just isn't working any more and something needs to be done. Maybe some day you'll see that.

Personally I applaud Sheriff Layher for what he has done. I know that it was not an easy choice for him, but as was stated before, it was the right thing! I also applaud Rick for not trying to hide this, but instead, choosing to be up front and honest about it instead of trying to sweep it under the carpet. It doesn't matter if you do or don't like the Sheriff, for this I believe he deserves the support of the community. In my eyes, this is a strong testament to Sheriff Layhers integrity as a man and as an Officer of the Law. Not to mention the love that he has for his son John. Let's all hope that this will be the much needed wake up call that John needed to turn his life around.

You know people stating that the son of the sheriff isnt going to have a plentiful life since he is going to be a felon upsets me. There a plenty of people in this world or better yet this town that were convicted of a felony and have moved on to become better people. There are people in this town that have also been convicted as a felon that you would never suspect. To me those are words of someone that is quick to judge people just because they made one bad move in there life.

Its about time......the sheriff has known his son was on drugs for a long time now. This is nothing new, even though it must have been hard to do so. His son has been trouble for a long time

Being a parent is a lot tougher job than being a Sheriff. You have my support for both jobs..

Doing the right thing is sometimes very hard. but it is always the right thing. Regardless. well done Rick

Why is what Rick did, "The Right Thing Too Do"

if you folks never been down that Road, how do you know that.

How is involving Law enforcement and the courts the Right thing to do, what did his son do commit a crime, what crime ? what is the courts system going to do?

Im missing something here, why is this a pubic affair now, what ever happen too (this is a private Family matter)

his son is 27 years old, Rick could have just flushed and driven his son to Rehab and be done with it. I still don't get it.

this family will be in pain over this for many decades after this is over, its not worth it.

every one that Ive seen do this years later almost all say "I wish Never did that"

Rick did the right thing ,As a ex user(18 years clean)I wish my parents had done that to me.It would have saved me years of heart ache and a lifetime of health problems.congratulations Rick and your son WILL forgive you and under stand that you may just have saved his life.

The Sheriff had two choices...watch his son die or give HIM the choice of life....METH is death in more ways than one. As a parent who made that same decision I will always be at peace with my action. May this more public intervention give other loved ones the courage to do SOMETHING!

Kudos to you Sheriff Layher.

Dear Freedom,

As a parent I think Rick did the right thing!! Rehab is for only those that want it and it costs money who has that kind of money. I checked into it and it is thousands of dollars if you take the person there. There is nothing for free except NA meetings and for those that have the capabilities to do this on their own that's great but what about those that do need more strength from others to get better where do they go?? Or those that are not ready to accept that they have a problem sometimes being locked up can help in this area or it may also backfire!! Who knows what is going to happen with this situation but I know that Rick did what was right for him and what he felt was needed for his son, to help get him off this terrible drug!! Let it be and let God do his work with the family

He did the right thing, as a father and as sheriff. Illegal activity needs to be reported no matter who you are. I am willing to bet our Sheriff knew this was going on for quite sometime and as a father he turned his head. Way to go you did what was right, now lets get the rest of them!!!

I am so shocked to hear of this news. I have personally done drugs in his basement with John and other friends. this was over 6 years ago! The sherriff has known about this "drug activity" in his own home for well over 8 years. I am SO proud and happy that the sherriff finally did something about his son. going to rehab wouldn't have helped john. he has a daughter- if she wasn't a good enough reason to quit doing meth then there wouldn't have ever been a good enough reason. Jail is the only option for John and thank god his dad finally did what should have been done 8 years ago.

Freedom,

How can you not say it is the right thing to do? From first hand experience it is the right thing to do. First, if a addict goes to rehab it really needs to be their choice. The court a family member whomever can't make the choice for the addict. They need to want the help. Examples are many, you are forced to go to rehab, you get out you use. There needs to be a lesson through the courts and that "might" help the addict but again the addict needs to want the help and not be forced to do something they are not willing to do. I have experienced this in my life with a family member. I have been to the meeting's at the rehab center with the addict. I seen the addict get out and use again. I see the addict go back to jail and use again. I have seen the addict live in a homeless shelter and use again and again. The addict needs to want the help, hit rock bottom and go forward from there. It is a long hard road for them. The individual I am talking about has went from a $100 a day meth habit to being clean for 7 years now. Very hard drug and it is hard for them everyday of their life now. Just for making a bad choice. Once a addict always a addict. Once a alcoholic always a alcoholic. And Bob8492 it is not true you cant get a good job with a felony on record. The person I am talking about has a great job in the community and associates with people all day at the place of employment. Works with all kinds of people. And you or anyone else could not tell this person has been through the court system, rehab, or homeless for over a year. So before we go on and accuse people from not doing what they feel should be done, please research addiction, and Meth or anything else that alters the mind. If you never have wore the shoes it is not a fair statement to be making ..... Just sayin!

You Pay for it then

How dare the Government use Cops and Courts as a parenting tool or for personal gain, you pay for it then,,its not that Im saying "don't go into rehab" NO, oh NO , no no, your Wrong

I don't believe the Government should be used this way

Rick and his Wife make over a 100k a year , what the heck the Government getting involved,,, why is this kid in Jail, what crime did he commit,, he uses drugs, A USER,,, what the heck business is this of the Government.

you folks need to think what your saying.

But to put someone in Jail,, search his house, what the heck is going on here.

why is this kid in Jail, why,, why did law enforcement do this.

when you start putting people in Jail for being a USER, thats Nuts

they should figure out how much all this cost and send Rick the bill for it,

He's not my kid, it was not my house, but it is my tax dollars and Our Civil Rights, I don't want anymore of my tax Money spent this way

you like this stuff,,, then you pay for it

Freedom,

For a addict to even start to get help the problem needs to be surfaced. A user does not feel they are a addict nor do they feel they have a problem with drugs. It needs to start somewhere if a addict does not see they have a problem with drugs. Welcome to to the land of the free and the brave my friend. We as tax payers pay for our jails, prisons, hospitals ect. For you being the way you are gesh good thing you have a family that has not had to deal with the issues. You make it sound like the Freedom family are saints. Well one day the shoe may be on the other foot and we all can tell you I don't want to pay for the issues that has come up in that family. The best thing to do is have Rick's son in our prayers, along with the family. This is a tough thing to have to go through and it is only the beginning. Now it is the court system, rehab drug court, probation ect. And trust me his son will have to pay court costs, restitution, and probation fee's. They do not get off scot free by any means. Heck, I am sure you give out coal to the little kids on Oct 31st of every year. C'mon Freedom show some compassion for a family in need. The kid made a bad choice, do we cut off his head. Have you made any bad choices in your life???? Just Sayin .......

C'mon Freedom show some compassion for a family in need.

By the Time I was 27 years old I served a tour in Germany, two tours in the Philippines and a tour in korea,,I was in 5 combat units, the work was hard ok. John, his Mother and Father never served in the Military.

My Family is sick, John is not sick. John uses Meth. Some of My extended Family uses Medical Marijuana a proven med that works.

John's Family and company (MHPD/ISP/State, does not support the idea of Medical Marijuan/Clinics. matter of fact they go out of their way to harm with fear and arrest people who served the United States who use medical marijuana because of Cancer/AIDS or other major Illness

you say Compassion,really. or is it what you want called a (Sopranos Pass)

When Sheriff Rick, the ISP and the MHPD Chief of Police and the state of Idaho go on (NEWS AT 5) and say they support the issue of Medical Marijuana in Idaho.

then they can have their Sopranos Pass, if Not well 15 years 5 fixed Idaho Pen.

No oh No

ok

hers the deal,, No Prison, He can have Drug Court, BUT !!!! the Felony Meth Coviction Sticks

sweeping floors for 30 years is hard

What upsets me the most about this situation is that it was on the news and is in the Mountain Home News. Actually, it is none of our business and we don't help the family that is dealing with this to make it a public circus.

I have lived here all of my life and the feeling was that it took the whole city to raise a child and people didn't get such a big kick out of a problem that a family might have. They were willing to help and didn't gossip about it.

Times have certainly changed.

Yup, not a answer to any of the question's I purposed to you Freedom. So that being said, you are long from perfect. Why is it so wrong to show compassion and or empathy to someone. I have known Rick for many years and he is one of the first people to help anyone in need. He did not want to do this, however he is trying to help his son through this tough situation. It is just as hard if not harder to go through what he is about to go through. I do not like to argue, but I do show support for someone that has to go through tuff situations such as this. I would even reach out to you if need be. Hope your Holidays are filled with JOY and PEACE and you are able to spend the holiday season with your loved ones :)

BTW Freedom felon or not does not mean you will not get a good job. I know a couple felons that are making $50 a year right here in Mountain Home .... So the statistic you have (shaking my head) is not true. Mind you yes it may be difficult to get a good paying job, but if you work hard at getting something and staying positive things do work out for you. Does not mean you will be sweeping floors the rest of your life!

As I looked at these comments everyone has written I decided I have to put my two cents in also. There is a lot of people I find in here that seem to be out of touch with reality. 1.although I agree that Rick didnt handle the situation well, being a felon does not keep you from working or from being successful. It is very possible to rebuild with work and you can open a business if you want or do work from home on the computer not to mention a host of other oportunities. Your not doomed to janitorial services. 2. To actually believe that a prison system is designed to help people and even rehabilitate them is laughable, and rediculous. Someone is really delusional to think that Prison is where this non violent person needs to go. 3. this was my favorite comment....Shoot them? really? come on. Are you so rediculous to believe that that's okay? Why don't we go down to the local bar and shoot all the alcoholics, hey why don't we go shoot our friends daughter who got addicted to pills after a horrible accident, better yet, why don't we shoot the totally un compassionate morons who think the easy answer is to kill every thing that they dont understand. Same kind of person who thinks hate crimes are okay, because "they" arent "like" you. That is a totally irresponsible comment.

All that being said, Rick has known for a very long time his son had a problem. Many people about town have been discussing it and it has become more public because his drug use has been escalating and that definitely jeopardizes his job. No one is going to re-elect a man who can't find drugs in his own home. I don't mean to say he doesnt care about his own son, in reality he probably never arrested him before because of the fact he loves him, however, he knew his son needed help and he knows he needs to save his career so he killed two birds. I don't believe he handled it correctly and I dont believe that sending him to prison will help him by any means, well...unless he wants him to learn how to do better and not get caught. I think it's been shown over and over again that our prison system does not rehabilitate people. Drug addicts need treatment, detox, therapy, understanding, support and love. Thats what works. It gives them a better chance at rebuilding then prison. Lets talk about how many billions we pour into the prison system for non violent drug addicts, something like 55 billion I think I read recently. Its rediculous. We do need prisons, but not for addicts and non violent drug offenders. By the way lets talk about the marijuana issue and about how many gangs, mafia organizations and thugs we could knock down by legalizing it. Lets talk about the money we would save harassing those who use it not to mention people who use it in religious ceremonies including very peaceful loving buddhists. The police have been against changing the laws even for medical use because its a money making law. I know everyone realizes that the cops are here to make money right? They are going to say whatever they need to for their own job security. I suggest those of you against marijuana need to educate yourself and quit being fearful. Many of you have taken Opiates of all sorts to help you in pain, however, they are addictive and create drug addicts out of regular folks. Not to mention the side affects...but Marijuana is not physically addictive and helps a much larger amount of issues than Opiates with little to no side affects. We are talking about glaucoma, pain, nausea, cancer symptoms etc. Quit reacting out of fear. wake up people. Education is key. This boy neeeds help not jail, We all need to show compassion and understanding and quit judging.

grownup1, his son is addicted to METH not pot, BIG difference. Meth addicts do become violent, homicidal/suicidal, steal, cheat ,lie for their drug. I've never know a violent pot smoker. Rick did this to save his career and hopefully his son. Rehab, meetings etc. don't do a thing unless the addict wants to quit and yes I do know from experience.

Sheriff Layher has known for years about his sons problems and drugs are not the only problem his son seems to have and every time he gets caught,the Sheriff seems to bail him out along with the help of his favorite Detective whom the Sheriff also bails out of various trouble while firing others that have committed not any worse crimes be it ethical or criminal or a combination of both as in this case.Over the years I've learned alot of facts reguarding the Sheriff's behavior.He takes care of what makes him look good and or protects himself.Ask yourself why. I'm sure he loves his son,there really is no doubt about that even in my mind but there is alot of doubt about the real reason behind his actions.I"m sure Sheriff Layher started his career with all the right ideals but people change and you "never really know anyone as well as you think you do." Others have turned their loved ones in to the system to get help and it's not been made public so why this time? He has known long enough what was going on and should have injected some of that "tough love" others have dealt out to their loved ones and maybe it would never have come to this. He knows his career is being questioned more and more over these last few years. Could this have more than alittle to do with his actions? I do wish his son good luck in beating his addictions,but I'm afraid it's a case of to little to late.