Monday, March 31, 2025
35.0°F

Coeur d’Alene man charged with sexual assault of sleeping woman

KAYE THORNBRUGH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 10 months, 2 weeks 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. | May 16, 2024 1:07 AM

COEUR d’ALENE — A man is in jail after police arrested him for allegedly sexually assaulting a sleeping woman.

Walter W. A. Bell, 42, of Coeur d’Alene, is charged with forcible sexual penetration by foreign object, a felony punishable by up to life in prison.

Police responded Tuesday evening to a reported sexual assault. A woman who had been staying with Bell said she went to bed Monday night after drinking some NyQuil offered to her by Bell, then woke in the early hours of the morning to Bell sexually assaulting her.

Bell, who reportedly also goes by the first name Damien, left the woman’s bedroom after she shouted at him to stop, according to court records.

Court records indicate Bell admitted to assaulting the woman in Facebook messages, which were later reviewed by law enforcement.

When interviewed by police, Bell confirmed that he had assaulted the woman and acknowledged “his actions were wrong,” according to court records.

Police arrested Bell on Tuesday evening. He remains in the Kootenai County jail.

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.

MORE FRONT-PAGE-SLIDER STORIES

Coeur d’Alene man sentenced to prison for voyeurism, sexual battery
Coeur d'Alene Press | Updated 9 months, 1 week ago
Spokane man gets prison for bloody attack in Coeur d’Alene
Coeur d'Alene Press | Updated 11 months ago
Hayden man faces multiple felonies
Coeur d'Alene Press | Updated 2 months, 1 week ago

ARTICLES BY KAYE THORNBRUGH

Community Library Network’s new policies could fracture regional library consortium
March 26, 2025 1 a.m.

Community Library Network’s new policies could fracture regional library consortium

For decades, the Community Information Network has enabled libraries in North Idaho and eastern Washington to share their collections and broadened patrons’ access to materials. Now a restrictive policy for minor library cardholders in the Community Library Network, unlike any other in the library consortium, could mean that patrons across the region lose access to library materials.

March 22, 2025 1 a.m.

Washington man acquitted after fatal crash

A jury acquitted a Washington man who was accused of driving while under the influence and causing a crash that killed a Benewah County man.

North Idaho College settles Rumpler lawsuit
March 22, 2025 1:05 a.m.

North Idaho College settles Rumpler lawsuit

North Idaho College has settled a lawsuit leveled by a former employee.