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Hearing waived in molestation case

KAYE THORNBRUGH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 years, 1 month AGO
by KAYE THORNBRUGH
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 13, 2021 1:00 AM

An Oregon man accused of molesting two children was bound over to district court Friday.

Shane E. Martin, 44, of Salem, Ore., is charged with two counts of lewd conduct with a child under 16, both felonies.

The charges stem from January, when two children under the age of 7 alleged that Martin, a family friend, touched them inappropriately while staying at their home in November.

One of the children reportedly told police she had slept on a makeshift bed on the floor of her room so two visiting adults, including Martin, could sleep on the bed.

She said she woke to Martin’s hand inside her underwear, according to court documents.

The other child reportedly said Martin exposed himself to her. She told police he then put his hand inside her underwear.

Investigators conducted multiple interviews with the children and others before bringing charges against Martin, according to court documents.

A judge issued a warrant for Martin’s arrest on Feb. 4. Martin reportedly turned himself in.

Prosecutors said Martin previously received a withheld judgement in a lewd conduct case out of Ada County.

In Idaho, lewd conduct with a child under 16 is a felony punishable by up to life in prison.

Martin’s preliminary hearing was waived this week. The case has been referred to the district court for further action.

Martin is being held on $100,000 bail.

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