Saturday, September 26, 2026
41.0°F

Coeur d'Alene man charged with rape attempt

KAYE THORNBRUGH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 11 months 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. | October 11, 2024 1:00 AM

COEUR d’ALENE — A man is in jail after police said he sexually assaulted his caregiver. 

The 25-year-old Coeur d’Alene resident is charged with battery with intent to commit rape, a felony.  

Police responded Wednesday night after a woman reported that she had been attacked. 

She told police she worked as a caregiver for a 25-year-old man who had experienced a traumatic brain injury. She said the man knows right from wrong and he can perform certain daily living tasks but cannot live independently, according to court records. 

The woman said her charge pulled her pants down, climbed on top of her, grabbed her throat, hit her and tried to kiss her. She said she jammed a finger into his eye, told him he was hurting her and then told him he was “going to jail,” which caused him to roll off her and begin weeping.

She said the man had threatened to rape her and had battered her in the past, but she did not report the incidents because she feared losing her job. 

Police observed red marks on her chest and scratches on her hip, according to court records. 

When interviewed by police, with a parent present, the man allegedly said he knew he “did something illegal” and described pulling his caregiver’s clothes off, choking her and trying to kiss her. He told police he knew the woman was afraid because she had told him so, according to court records. 

Police arrested the man Wednesday night. 

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

Prosecutor condemns threatening comments
September 26, 2026 1:09 a.m.

Prosecutor condemns threatening comments

After press release sparks outcry, Mortensen shares insight

After a news release about the outcome of a criminal case sparked outcry this week, Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney Stan Mortensen said he aims to inform the public through the information he publishes, not fan the flames of anger.

No serious injuries after car drives off Resort parking garage
September 25, 2026 3:23 p.m.

No serious injuries after car drives off Resort parking garage

No serious injuries were reported Friday afternoon after an occupied vehicle drove off the third level of the Coeur d'Alene Resort parking garage, according to authorities.

KCRCC addresses investigation into Prop 1 signers
September 25, 2026 1:09 a.m.

KCRCC addresses investigation into Prop 1 signers

Details under wraps after lengthy meeting

In a tense meeting that stretched past midnight this week, the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee discussed an investigation into members who signed to qualify a proposed abortion-rights initiative for the November ballot.