Man accused of molesting granddaughter
KAYE THORNBRUGH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 years, 6 months AGO
Kaye Thornbrugh is a second-generation Kootenai County resident who has been with the Coeur d’Alene Press for six years. She primarily covers Kootenai County’s government, as well as law enforcement, the legal system and North Idaho College. | March 2, 2021 1:00 AM
HAYDEN — Police arrested a man last week who they said molested his granddaughter.
The 59-year-old Hayden man is charged with lewd conduct with a minor under 16 and with sexual abuse of a child, both felonies.
The charges stem from the evening of Feb. 25, when two of the man’s grandchildren were staying at his residence overnight.
One of the children, an 11-year-old girl, reportedly said her grandfather put his hands under her clothes, touching her chest and privates.
The other child told police he walked in on his grandfather touching his sister, according to court documents.
The children reportedly walked to a nearby business around 11 p.m. and asked for help to call the police.
The 11-year-old allegedly said she was afraid her grandfather would beat her with a belt if he found out she had spoken with police.
Police contacted the man, who reportedly said he gave his granddaughter a hug and kissed her goodnight.
Police arrested the man at his residence.
Judge James Combo ordered Friday that the man be held on $250,000 bail.
The Press is not naming the suspect at this time because that would reveal the identity of the victim. The Press tries to protect the privacy of victims.
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