One convicted in sex abuse case
STAFF REPORT | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years, 7 months AGO
EPHRATA — Michael Gene Rice, 48, of Ephrata was convicted last week of multiple charges related to the sexual abuse of a minor. He goes back to court March 15 for sentencing.
“This was a terrible and vile case of child sexual exploitation, and the community is safer now that Michael Rice will be headed to prison,” said Grant County Sheriff Joe Kriete.
Rice was found guilty of two counts of first-degree dealing in depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct; one count of commercial sex abuse of a minor; and two counts of first-degree possession of depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Rice was found not guilty of an additional charge of commercial sex abuse of a minor.
Kriete applauded the work of the detective who conducted the investigation, though the detective was not named.
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Kennewick woman killed in Othello-area collision
OTHELLO — A Kennewick woman was killed when she ran into a semitruck at the intersection of SR 26 and South Booker Road early Thursday morning.
State Route 26 closed due to fatality collision
OTHELLO — State Route 26 is closed due to a fatality collision between a car and a semitruck near South Booker Road about four miles east of Othello, according to information from the Washington State Patrol and the Washington Department of Transportation. The road was closed about 6:30 a.m., according to the WSDOT. This is a developing story and more information will be added as it becomes available.
Coeur d'Alene to host fair housing training
Event takes place at public library in October
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