Arson suspect is released into mother's custody

BONNERS FERRY — The suspect in the alleged arson of St. Ann’s Catholic Church in April 2016 was released on his own recognizance and into the custody of his mother on Wednesday.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Shane R. Rucker, 33, will be released on his own recognizance once certain conditions imposed by the court have been met. Those terms include wearing a GPS ankle monitor, and remaining in the custody of his mother, Sherry Nash, who agreed to report Rucker if he violates the court’s condiions.

Rucker, who reportedly suffers from mental illness, is ordered to keep doctor’s appointments and to continue taking proper medication. he is prohibited from consuming alcohol and controlled substances, he is not allowed to travel outside the state of Idaho, or must not commit any new violations.

The spokesperson said Rucker does not appear to be a potential flight risk as he has ties to the community.

“What is important is that people realize he is not roaming free,” she said. “The terms of his release are very stringent. “He has been on probation with the state and has had no reported violations, that we are aware of, therefore, we took his recent behavior into consideration when we made the decision to release him into the care of his mother.”

Rucker was indicted by a grand jury on Feb. 15 in Boise and arrested on the two-count federal indictment in the District of Idaho on Feb. 16. In the federal indictment, Rucker is charged with destruction of religious property and using a fire to damage or destroy religious property.

He had been housed at the Bonner County Jail until Wednesday’s decision.

Rucker, pleaded not guilty Feb. 17, in U.S. District Court to the arson charge and will face trial March 20. He has been appointed a federal public defender.