BLACKFOOT — A 38-year-old local man was recently convicted of attempting to strangle a woman in early 2023, authorities say.

A local jury on Dec. 20 convicted Michael James Hinkel, of Shelley, of one count of felony attempted strangulation following a trial that Bingham County Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ollie Wimbish presented, according to a news release from the Bingham County Prosecutor’s Office.

The incident occurred on Jan. 24, 2023, and involved Hinkel placing his hands around the victim’s neck and restricting her breathing, the news release said.

Hinkel is due back in court for a sentencing hearing in front of 7th District Judge Alan C. Stephens on Feb. 26. He faces up to 15 years in prison.

“As Bingham County’s Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, I would like to thank all law enforcement from Shelley Police Department and Bingham County Sheriff’s Office involved in this case, especially Sergeant Jon Croxford and Officer Joseph Pacheco,” Wimbish said in the news release. “Their investigation and testimony were vital in achieving this conviction. In addition, I would like to thank my legal assistant/victim witness coordinator Jodi Allen and law enforcement’s victim witness coordinator Susan Nalley for their hard work preparing this case and providing support to the victim. Lastly, I would like to thank my second chair, Deputy Prosecutor Andrew Hart for his invaluable assistance in preparation and support in the courtroom.”