Sunday, December 14, 2025
37.0°F

Coeur d'Alene man charged with child sexual exploitation

KAYE THORNBRUGH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year AGO
by KAYE THORNBRUGH
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. | December 4, 2024 1:00 AM

COEUR d’ALENE — Police arrested a man who allegedly used a hidden camera to film a teen in the bathroom.

Jason W. Kimmel, 52, of Coeur d’Alene, is charged with sexual exploitation of a child by producing or promoting sexually exploitative material, as well as with attempted sexual exploitation of a child by the same means, both felonies. 

The charges stem from Nov. 29, when a teen girl reported to police that she had discovered a recording device in a bathroom in Kimmel’s home. 

The teen said Kimmel had advised her to bathe in a specific bathroom in his Coeur d’Alene home, according to court records, but before she did so, she noticed him placing an item on the windowsill in the bathroom. The item turned out to be a recording device that looked like a pen, police said. 

A memory card inside the recording device contained footage that showed Kimmel placing it in a bathroom, followed by footage of the teen showering, according to court records. 

Kimmel contacted police Tuesday and said he would turn himself in, court records said. He was booked into the Kootenai County jail Tuesday night. 

In Idaho, sexual exploitation of a child by producing or promoting sexually exploitative material is punishable by up to 30 years in prison. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual abuse, reach Safe Passage 24/7 by calling 208-664-9303 or texting 208-449-7228.

ARTICLES BY KAYE THORNBRUGH

Citylink’s future in question
December 14, 2025 1:09 a.m.

Citylink’s future in question

Kootenai County commissioner: 'We don't need it'

Amid discussions this week between county, city and tribal representatives about the future of their Citylink partnership, two commissioners questioned whether Kootenai County should operate a public transit program at all.

Super 1, Peirone Produce share the love — and potatoes
December 13, 2025 1:08 a.m.

Super 1, Peirone Produce share the love — and potatoes

4,000 pounds of spuds given out

Even before he encouraged them to help themselves to a free bag of potatoes or two, Super 1 shoppers didn’t hesitate to greet Ron McIntire with smiles and hugs Thursday morning.

Sheriff Norris revokes special deputy status of Cd’A, Rathdrum police chiefs
December 11, 2025 1:09 a.m.

Sheriff Norris revokes special deputy status of Cd’A, Rathdrum police chiefs

Chief White says Norris retaliated after town hall investigation

Chief White says Norris retaliated after town hall investigation