Hoagland enters not-guilty plea

A former staff member at a local juvenile corrections center entered a not-guilty plea on two counts of misconduct during an arraignment Monday morning in district court.

Stephanie L. Hoagland faces two counts of sexual contact with a prisoner when she goes to trial March 9.

The maximum penalty on each charge includes up to life in prison and a $50,000 fine, according to Idaho Statutes.

Hoagland was bound over to district court last month after the judge felt the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence to proceed with the felony trial. That included sworn testimony from a former inmate at the Three Springs corrections facility, who said he developed a relationship with Hoagland that included sexual contact on two occasions.

At the time of the alleged incidents, she served as a supervisor for inmates at the Three Springs facility. Located in the Industrial Park area in Mountain Home, it serves as a rehabilitation center for juveniles, including non-violent sexual offenders.

Hoagland was arrested Sept. 17 by Mountain Home police officers following her interview with investigators. She remains free after previously posting a $15,000 bond.