Debt collector jailed in Idaho

Suspect had gun, badge and uniform

SANDPOINT -- A debt collector from Sagle was arrested Tuesday for allegedly impersonating a police officer to try to persuade a woman to square up on a loan.

Jerry W. Hildeman is charged with unlawfully exercising the duties of a law officer, a felony. Hildeman made an initial court appearance Wednesday via video feed from the Bonner County Jail.

Judge Justin Julian sustained Hildeman's $10,000 bail and appointed a public defender to represent him. A hearing is pending to determine if a district court trial is justified.

If convicted as charged, Hildeman could be imprisoned for two to five years.

Hildeman, 53, was wearing a uniform similar to the ones used by Sheriff's deputies and had a duty belt that contained a sidearm, handcuffs and a radio, according to charging papers.

Hildeman also threatened that he had the "the authority to take her in," the complaint alleged.

The arrest report said Hildeman also had a badge that read "Special Officer Bonner County" and had a seal on it that resembled the state of Idaho's.

Hildeman was arrested early Tuesday evening, after a Center Valley Road resident phoned dispatch to say the suspect was pounding on her front door and shining his flashlight through her windows. She alleged Hildeman was attempting to lure her outside by saying he had paperwork for her to sign.

The 52-year-old woman told deputies Hildeman had first come to her home in uniform in February. She said Hildeman threatened to arrest her unless she made a payment on a loan she had with the Money Depot.

After the first incident, the alleged victim verified through dispatch that Hildeman was not a law officer. She could not recall Hildeman ever saying he was a law officer, but said the suspect implied he was because he threatened to arrest her and was dressed as a law officer, the arrest report said.

Hildeman later met with Deputy Chrystle Osborn at the Schweitzer Sand Creek Conoco, where he told her the alleged victim was lying about what had happened that night. Hildeman insisted he had not threatened the woman, according to the arrest report.