A 44-year-old Hauser contractor has been charged with three counts of lewd conduct with a minor for allegely having sex with a 14-year-old girl.

Joshua C. Larue was arrested early Thursday on a warrant and had his first court appearance that same day in Coeur d’Alene.

Lewd conduct with a minor carries penalties of up to life behind bars depending on the severity of the crime.

According to deputies’ reports, Larue is accused of having sex several times in July 2017 with a teenage girl who no longer lives in idaho.

First District Magistrate Robert Caldwell set bail at $75,000 and signed a no-contact order for the teenager and Larue, who was released from the Kootenai County jail after posting bail.

Calling Larue a predator, prosecutors wanted bail set at $250,000. Attorneys argued the defendant has failed to appear in court on other occasions, and that he posed a public safety risk.

Defense attorneys argued that Larue has lived in the area for several years, has family here and owns a construction company.

Noting the warrant for Larue was issued five days before his arrest, Caldwell voiced concerns the defendant would appear for scheduled court dates.

“That does speak to the issue of whether Mr. Larue will show up at court,” Caldwell said.

Deputies conducted multiple interviews with the victim and others for more than two months before bringing charges against Larue.

In a Sept. 19 preliminary hearing, a judge will decide if there is enough evidence to bind over Larue to First District Court on the three felonies.