SANDPOINT — A former Bonner County resident has pleaded guilty to an amended sexual abuse charge stemming from a 2019 offense that spanned over an estimated one- to two-year period.  

Klaus Ronald Schroeder, 22, was originally charged with two felony counts of rape and one count of felony attempted rape. However, he only entered a guilty plea to an amended count of incest as part of a plea agreement.  

The plea agreement indicated that Schroeder would be required to serve two years in jail and register on the national sex offender list for willfully engaging in sexual contact with a minor who held a degree of consanguinity. The agreement noted that Schroeder may be taken off the list in 10 years if he showcased good behavior.  

The amended charges and recommended sentencing are part of a Rule 11 plea agreement, meaning that the agreement is binding to the court and that the judge, defendant and prosecutor must abide by the approved agreement.  

Schroeder, unrestrained and dressed formally, entered his guilty plea in the courtroom. After posting a $200,000 bond early in the case, Schroeder attended most hearings via Zoom.  

A sentencing hearing for the case will take place Oct. 23 at 11 a.m. at the request of Schroeder’s public council, who noted that Schroeder would like to complete a work contract before being taken into custody.  

According to a probable cause affidavit, Bonner County officials became aware of the assault in June 2024 when the victim called Bonner County Sheriff’s Office to file a report.   

A probable cause affidavit showed that Schroeder allegedly blackmailed and threatened the victim into performing oral sex and other actions on Schroeder. Documents also indicated that Schroeder sexually abused the victim while viewing erotic content. Court documents are unclear on how long the sexual abuse lasted.