Rape trial approaches for Post Falls man
KAYE THORNBRUGH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 years, 9 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.
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