Saturday, March 22, 2025
37.0°F

Cowells' charges mount in child abuse investigation

NED NEWTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 month AGO
by NED NEWTON
| February 20, 2025 1:10 AM

The criminal case against former Naples daycare owners Richard and Katherine Cowell, arrested Feb. 5, was amended Friday, Feb. 14 to include a second victim. 

The updated criminal complaint charges Richard Cowell with raping a female child between 2013 and 2016. Katherine Cowell has been charged with conspiring in the act. 





The couple was initially charged earlier this month with conspiring in an act of lewd conduct on a male under the age of 16 between 2012 and 2015. 

Boundary County Sheriff Travis Stolley said as additional information was gathered during the investigation, Bonner County deputy prosecutor Sarah Hyde determined it was necessary to amend the complaints with the additional charges. 

Court records indicate over 30 interviews have been conducted by the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office and LillyBrooke Family Justice Center, a victim advocacy center in Sandpoint. Prosecutors have also reviewed more than 120 search warrant photos from the investigation. 

“The initial wave of investigation is done,” Stolley said. “It was a lot of work.” 

On Feb. 6, BCSO urged parents who sent children to Little Zookeepers Daycare to come forward if they believe their child may have been a victim. On Feb. 11, the Cowells' daycare was permanently closed. 

The preliminary hearings for both Richard and Katherine Cowell have been rescheduled to March 17 at 1:30 p.m. at the Boundary County Courthouse. Both have waived their rights to a speedy trial as well as their arraignment of the amended complaints. 

Anyone who suspects child abuse or neglect should contact the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Child Protective Services at 1-855-552-5437. The National Sexual Assault Hotline is also available 24/7 at 800-656-HOPE. The National Child Abuse Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-422-4453. Additionally, Boundary County Victims Services is available 24 hours a day at 208-267-5211. 

MORE FRONT-PAGE-SLIDER STORIES

Victims take the stand against Cowells
Bonners Ferry Herald | Updated 2 days, 21 hours ago
Daycare shut down after alleged child abuse
Bonners Ferry Herald | Updated 1 month, 1 week ago
24 miles in 20 hours: Kim Bowler's epic swim across Priest Lake
Coeur d'Alene Press | Updated 7 months ago

ARTICLES BY NED NEWTON

Victims take the stand against Cowells
March 20, 2025 1:05 a.m.

Victims take the stand against Cowells

During the March 17 joint preliminary hearing for Richard and Katherine Cowell, a Boundary County couple facing multiple sex crime charges, the alleged victims testified they were coerced into sexual relationships as minors.

'We're turning one spigot on and another off'
March 20, 2025 1 a.m.

'We're turning one spigot on and another off'

North Idaho legislators warn of quick-fix decisions in Boise

At a Saturday town hall, North Idaho lawmakers voiced their concerns over state lawmakers’ rush to secure short-term political wins through tax cuts, funding shifts, and program overhauls — moves they say lack a long-term strategy for Idaho’s future stability and growth.

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW: Both new and familiar faces on the BFHS golf team
March 20, 2025 1 a.m.

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW: Both new and familiar faces on the BFHS golf team

Fresh off a state tournament bid a season ago, but with some new faces, the Bonners Ferry High School Boys’ and Girls’ Golf teams will have competitive leaders at the top and lots of development from underclassmen.