KELLOGG — A Pinehurst man was arrested Saturday after Kellogg Police were alerted to a possible sexual assault that reportedly occurred earlier that morning. 

Aaron Dinnison, 56, was taken into custody at his home in Pinehurst and charged with rape, attempted strangulation, first-degree kidnapping, burglary, and unlawful entry. Police say Dinnison used a spare key to access his ex-girlfriend’s home, tied her up, and assaulted her. 

According to a report from Kellogg Police Department Officer Matthew Weingart, Dinnison allegedly made a copy of the spare key the victim had given him during their relationship, which ended in April. The victim told police she was asleep when Dinnison entered her residence and awoke to him allegedly wrapping an electrical cord around her neck. He then bound her hands and feet with zip ties before assaulting her. 

The victim stated that the next morning, Dinnison asked, “If she wanted to tie him up to get back at him or if she wanted him to turn himself into the police.” 

During the investigation, Weingart reported finding several pieces of evidence that corroborated the victim’s account, including cut zip ties, a letter described as a break-up/love letter signed “A,” and numerous spots of blood throughout the bedroom and bathroom. 

Dinnison declined law enforcement’s request for an initial interview. A search warrant was executed at his residence, where officers recovered several articles of clothing matching those allegedly worn during the assault. The items were taken for analysis. 

On Monday, Dinnison appeared in court via Zoom for his first appearance. Magistrate Judge Keisha Oxendine read the charges aloud and heard statements from Shoshone County Deputy Prosecutor Britney Jacobs and Dinnison. 

Jacobs told the court that Dinnison has an extensive criminal history, including similar charges. In a 2000 case, he was charged with unlawful imprisonment, domestic violence, and assault, though he ultimately pleaded to misdemeanor charges. In another 2000 case out of Washington, he was charged with domestic violence, assault, and interfering with reporting domestic violence. 

“The acts taken in this case are quite violent in nature,” Jacobs said. “Mr. Dinnison’s past criminal history is indicative of very similar behavior.” 

The charges Dinnison faces carry significant penalties, including a maximum of life imprisonment for rape, 16 years for kidnapping, 15 years for attempted strangulation, 10 years for burglary, and six months for the misdemeanor unlawful entry charge. 

Due to the nature of the alleged crime, Judge Oxendine set bail at $150,000. 

Dinnison’s next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 4.