Rucker to be released to mom

February 22, 2017

A federal judge ruled today to release Shane Rucker, 33, Bonners Ferry, who is facing two federal charges after allegedly torching St. Ann's Catholic Church last April, into his mother's custody. The ruling will allow Rucker to leave jail on Thursday. His mother, Sherry Nash, Sandpoint, told the judge that her son has mental issues, most likely connected with his service in the U.S. Marine Corps, and she gave assurance that her son poses no threat to the community. She will be held responsible, the judge said, should Rucker violate conditions of his release, including constant GPS monitoring, a no-contact order with his ex-wife, and no use of alcohol or drugs. While in his mother's custody, he will also be required to continue regular mental health counseling and report regularly with his probation officer. Nash told the judge that Rucker moved into her home last August after asking for her help, and said that, unlike earlier attempts to get him into treatment, he now understands that he needs help. She said that this time, unlike at times in the past, he has been cooperative with mental health counselors, taking his medications as prescribed and has shown improvement. The prosecution agreed to the terms and agreed that Rucker poses no threat to the community. Rucker is scheduled to go on trial in federal court on federal charges of destruction of religious property and using a fire to damage or destroy religious property on Monday, March 20. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count. He is also scheduled to appear for trial in District Court May 9 before Judge Barbara Buchanan on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance resulting from an October 6, 2015 arrest.