Rathdrum man jailed for child sex abuse
KAYE THORNBRUGH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 years 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. | August 18, 2022 1:00 AM
COEUR d’ALENE — A man who reportedly confessed to sexually abusing a child for years is in jail.
Courtney B. Gothmann, 38, of Rathdrum, is charged with lewd conduct with a minor under the age of 16, a felony.
The abuse is alleged to have occurred over the course of about five years.
Court documents indicate that the child recently disclosed the alleged abuse to several people, who contacted law enforcement.
During the investigation, Rathdrum police conducted interviews with the child and others.
When interviewed by police on Monday, Gothmann reportedly admitted to touching the child inappropriately on multiple occasions over an extended period.
He also said he had “repented” for his actions and believed the child had forgiven him.
Police arrested Gothmann after the interview.
First District Judge Mayli Walsh ordered on Tuesday that Gothmann be held on $100,000 bail.
In Idaho, lewd conduct with a minor under the age of 16 is punishable by a maximum of life in prison.
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