North Idaho sex offender awaits sentencing
KEITH KINNAIRD | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 14 years, 7 months AGO
SANDPOINT - A North Idaho man who failed to comply with his presentence obligations in a Bonner County sex abuse case surfaced in Benewah County earlier this month.
A bench warrant was issued last year for Austin Byron Courser after he failed to show for a presentence interview, a background investigation judges use to tailor a sentence to a particular defendant.
Courser's sentencing is now set for Feb. 22 in 1st District Court. He entered an Alford plea to an amended charge of sexual abuse of a minor.
Under such a plea, Courser admits no wrongdoing but concedes he could be convicted if the matter went to trial. Alford pleas enable a defendant to gain the benefit of a plea agreement, although the plea is treated no differently than a standard plea of guilt at sentencing.
Courser, 35, was originally charged with lewd and lascivious conduct with a minor for fondling a 15-year-old girl's genitalia at a graduation party in Bonner County in 2009.
Courser faces up to 25 years in prison, although the state had earlier agreed to recommend a five- to 10-year term with retained jurisdiction. When the court retains jurisdiction, a defendant can become eligible for release after serving six months in prison. Courser would have to register as a sex offender.
ARTICLES BY KEITH KINNAIRD
Revett seeks clarity on Rock Creek mine status
A status conference is pending in federal court to determine if developers of the proposed Rock Creek mine can initiate development of the project.
Former pastor imprisoned for touching young girl
SANDPOINT, Idaho — A district judge declined to go along with a plea agreement which proposed a limited jail sentence for a former pastor who pleaded guilty to fondling a Priest Lake girl several years ago.

Judge orders life sentence in Bristow murder
Acosta ordered to serve life in prison for Bristow killing