WALLACE — A Kingston man pleaded guilty to two felony sex crimes Monday at the Shoshone County Courthouse. 

Samuel Baugh Jr., 42, was charged with two counts of rape, two counts of lewd and lascivious conduct with a child under 16, as well as two other sex crimes. During his arraignment Monday, Baugh accepted a plea agreement with the state. 

In exchange for his guilty plea, the state dropped four of the charges, including one count each of rape and lewd and lascivious conduct. The state will also argue for a minimum prison sentence of 20 years at Baugh’s sentencing. 

According to Idaho Code, the maximum penalty for rape and lewd and lascivious conduct with a child under 16 is life in prison.  

According to Trish Espeland, Baugh’s attorney, certain evidence has not been reviewed by the defense because of delays caused by Shoshone County’s reliance on an out-of-county Cellebrite forensics system. Despite this, she said there was enough evidence to move forward with her client’s plea. 

“I believe that the state has provided us with everything that is in their physical possession,” Espeland said. 

The charges stem from a September arrest after court records show the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office was alerted by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare about a possible sexual abuse case. One of the alleged victims was living in Las Vegas while another was believed to still be in Shoshone County. 

Deputy Eric Bowman contacted Las Vegas police for help conducting an interview with the 19-year-old potential victim, who had moved to the area for a church mission. 

Interviews with both victims were included in the probable cause affidavit, which outlined years of alleged abuse. The first victim reported that Baugh began abusing them at age 5. The second victim, now 16, said they could not recall the exact age but remembered being very young when the abuse started. 

Baugh’s sentencing is set for March 2, at the Shoshone County Courthouse.

• • •

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual abuse, contact the Shoshone County Crisis and Resource Center at 208-556-0500 or visit its website at www.sccrcenter.org. You can also reach Safe Passage 24/7 by calling 208-664-9303 or texting 208-449-7228.