Sex offender charged after attending play
CAROLINE LOBSINGER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 2 months AGO
Stewart
I grew up in the Tri-Cities, Wash., and have always loved to write. I attended the University of Washington, where I earned a double major in journalism and political science, with an area of emphasis in history. I am the fifth out of six kids — don't believe any of the stories that my siblings tell. To be able to tell others stories and take photos for a living is a dream come true — and I considered myself blessed to be a community journalist. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, hiking and spending time outdoors, genealogy, reading, and watching the UW Huskies and the Seattle Seahawks. I am a servant to my cat, Frankie, who yes, will eat anything and everything in sight … even wedding cookies. | March 31, 2023 1:00 AM
SANDPOINT — A Bonner County man is charged with prohibited access to children after sheriff's officials said he attended a performance of "Mama Mia!" earlier this month at Sandpoint High School.
David A. Stewart, 68, was charged after the Bonner County Sheriff's Office was notified that the man — a registered sex offender — had attended the March 17 performance of the musical.
He is also known by the aliases Daniel Anthony Stewart and Daniel Anthony Bailey, BCSO officials said.
According to court records, BCSO deputies contacted the SHS school resource officer. Based on a description of Stewart, they were able to identify him as being at the school and having attended the play.
During the course of their investigation, BCSO detectives learned that the man was planning to attend the March 25 performance, Wheeler said. With the assistance of Sandpoint Police Department and Sandpoint High School staff, Stewart was located inside the high school on March 25 by BCSO deputies.
By Idaho Code, it is illegal for a convicted sex offender to be on school grounds without the permission of school officials.
A deputy was present, in uniform, driving a marked BCSO patrol vehicle and parked near the front entrance to the school, according to court records. After he was seen exiting a vehicle and entering the school, the deputy approached Stewart and advised him that he was on school grounds without permission and was being placed under arrest.
The Sagle resident was taken into custody without incident, Wheeler said.
During the investigation, Wheeler said investigators learned Stewart has been communicating with a minor child via letters and calls himself a “pen pal” to the child.
Investigators believe Stewart may have other “pen pals” in the community and are asking the public to come forward with any information.
An arraignment hearing has been set for May 5. Stewart, who is is charged with two counts of prohibited access to children.
Anyone with information Stewart or any communication with minor children is asked to contact BCSO Detective Barry Reinink via email, barry.reinink@bonnercountyid.gov or contact Bonner Dispatch at 208-265-5525.
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