Rape trial approaches for Post Falls man
KAYE THORNBRUGH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 years, 10 months AGO
Ross
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. | November 27, 2021 1:00 AM
POST FALLS — A man accused of repeatedly raping a child will stand trial next month.
Charles D. Ross, 31, of Post Falls, is charged with three counts of rape, a felony punishable by up to life in prison.
The charges stem from February, when a teen girl disclosed to authorities that Ross allegedly raped her on three occasions between 2016 and 2017.
She told police the rapes occurred when she was between the ages of 12 and 13 and Ross was around 26 years old.
She described Ross as a family friend.
The girl had previously disclosed the alleged rapes to a counselor, according to court documents.
She told police she had also informed her mother, who brushed off the allegations.
In a recorded phone call, Ross allegedly acknowledged that he “had sex” with the girl and apologized to her.
He reportedly told her, “I didn’t know it was going to ruin the rest of your life.”
Idaho Code defines rape, in part, as penetration where the victim is under the age of 16, the perpetrator is 18 or older and the two are not lawfully married.
Ross turned himself in after a judge issued a warrant for his arrest in May. He later posted $50,000 bail.
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
A jury trial is scheduled to begin Dec. 6.
In a separate matter, Ross reportedly pleaded guilty to attempted strangulation in 2012.
ARTICLES BY KAYE THORNBRUGH
Prosecutor condemns threatening comments
After press release sparks outcry, Mortensen shares insight
After a news release about the outcome of a criminal case sparked outcry this week, Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney Stan Mortensen said he aims to inform the public through the information he publishes, not fan the flames of anger.
No serious injuries after car drives off Resort parking garage
No serious injuries were reported Friday afternoon after an occupied vehicle drove off the third level of the Coeur d'Alene Resort parking garage, according to authorities.
KCRCC addresses investigation into Prop 1 signers
Details under wraps after lengthy meeting
In a tense meeting that stretched past midnight this week, the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee discussed an investigation into members who signed to qualify a proposed abortion-rights initiative for the November ballot.