Man held on $200K bail after alleged auto burglary
KAYE THORNBRUGH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 8 months AGO
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. | January 15, 2025 1:00 AM
COEUR d’ALENE — A man who allegedly stole a wallet out of an unlocked car while wanted for multiple crimes in another state is being held on $200,000 bail.
Wesley J. Decker, 63, of Thornton, Colo., is charged with burglary, a felony punishable by a minimum of one year in prison and a maximum of 10 years in prison.
The charges stem from Jan. 8, when Coeur d’Alene police responded to a report of an auto burglary. A woman told police that a man, later identified as Decker, had taken a wallet out of her unlocked car, which was parked in the lot outside Candlelight Christian Fellowship on Pioneer Drive.
Security footage showed Decker enter the woman’s vehicle and take an item, according to court records.
When contacted by police, Decker allegedly admitted to stealing the wallet from the woman’s car. He said he used $22 in cash to buy gas and then discarded the wallet, which was later found in Hayden and returned to the owner, according to court records.
Police arrested Decker on Saturday.
Investigators learned that Decker is a sex offender with “an extensive criminal history for crimes including rape, burglary, dangerous drugs, identity theft and failing to register as a sex offender,” the Coeur d’Alene Police Department said in a news release.
At the time of his arrest in Coeur d’Alene, court records indicated Decker was wanted in Wyoming for allegedly stealing a wallet in December 2024 and a pocketknife in early January.
In court Monday, First District Judge John Cafferty ordered that Decker be held on $200,000 bail.
ARTICLES BY KAYE THORNBRUGH
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
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
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.