SANDPOINT - A lewd conduct case pending against a Sagle man has been dismissed with prejudice and without explanation.

Mark Franklin Bernheisel was indicted by a Bonner County grand jury of molesting a girl in 2012 and 2013, when she was between the ages of 2 and 3.

Bernheisel was tracked to Chicago and arrested on the charge. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was slated to stand trial in 1st District Court.

However, civil mediation was ordered in an attempt to resolve the case without trial. The mediation produced a joint motion by the state and the defense to dismiss the case with prejudice, which means that Bernheisel can no longer be prosecuted for the alleged offense.

The stipulation to dismiss the case also prevents the state from seeking additional charges.

Judge Barbara Buchanan granted the dismissal on April 28, according to court documents.

Bonner County Prosecutor Louis Marshall said the mediated settlement agreement prevents him from discussing the case publicly.

Bernheisel's defense counsel, Michael G. Palmer, did not return a message seeking comment on the outcome of the case.