Coeur d’Alene man charged with sexual assault of sleeping woman
KAYE THORNBRUGH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 5 months AGO
Bell
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.
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