Post Falls man gets prison for sexual abuse
STAFF REPORT | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 5 months AGO
COEUR d’ALENE — A Post Falls man who pleaded guilty to sexually abusing two children will spend up to 30 years in prison.
Derek J. Thomson, 29, pleaded guilty in January to lewd conduct with a minor under the age of 16, a felony punishable by up to life in prison. Prosecutors said Thomson “engaged in sexual contact” with two children between September 2018 and September 2023. The children were between the ages of 2 and 8 years old at the time of the abuse.
First District Judge Barry McHugh sentenced Thomson last week to 30 years in prison, with parole eligibility after 10 years.
“The Kootenai County Prosecutor’s Office supports victims of crime, particularly young children who have been abused by the hands of a trusted adult,” Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney Stan Mortensen said in a news release. “This type of conduct is among the worst in society and we appreciate all who work to protect children.”
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Connell woman killed in Booker Road crash
CONNELL — Charges are pending against a Kennewick man following a collision about 12 miles south of Othello that killed a Connell woman and injured three other people Tuesday evening. A Washington State Patrol press memo said intoxicating substances were a factor. Jessica Zarate, 37, Connell, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash near the intersection of SR 17 and South Booker Road, the WSP memo said. She was driving south on Booker Road approaching the intersection when her car was hit by a pickup driven by John Reiss, 62, Kennewick. Edgar Garcia Quirino, 28, Othello, was driving north on SR 17 and ran into Zarate's car, the WSP memo said. The crash occurred at about 6:40 p.m.
Wheeler Road closed because of traffic collision
UPDATE: The road was reopened as of noon, according to a GCSO media release. MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff’s Office has announced there is a road closure between Road 3-NE and Road S-NE. There was a serious traffic collision. GCSO is asking for drivers to avoid the area and find alternative routes. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Doors opening: The Currents will provide homeownership for more local workers
About 104 homes are planned at the former Atlas sawmill site
Teachers, nurses, firefighters and other workers who keep Coeur d’Alene running will soon have more places to buy a home in the community where they work. About 104 homes are being planned to be built at Atlas Waterfront, on roughly 10 acres that are part of a swath of land that was once home to the Atlas sawmill and is being redeveloped. Ignite CDA, the city of Coeur d’Alene’s urban renewal agency, is leading this effort.