COEUR d’ALENE — A man who prosecutors said sexually abused two teen girls will spend time in prison.

Jeppsnel Saint Louis, 36, of Miami, pleaded guilty in November to two counts of lewd conduct with a child under the age of 16, both felonies. 

First District Judge Ross Pittman sentenced Saint Louis on Tuesday to 15 years in prison, with parole eligibility after five years. 

The charges stem from last April, when prosecutors said Saint Louis picked up two teen girls in Post Falls and transported them to a motel, where he provided them with alcohol and engaged in sexual activity with them. 

One of the teens tested positive for a sexually transmitted infection after the incident, according to the Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Saint Louis tested positive for the same STI, prosecutors said.

“This is a crime that affected two young girls and probably will affect them for the rest of their lives,” prosecuting attorney Art Verharen said. 

The mother of one of the teens spoke in court on behalf of her daughter. She said Saint Louis’ abuse compounded trauma that her daughter had already experienced, leading to worsened struggles in school. 

The teen is undergoing mental health treatment as a result of last April’s incident, her mother said. 

Pittman emphasized that, under Idaho law, a minor under the age of 16 cannot consent to sex with an adult. He said it was clear that Saint Louis harmed the teens through his actions, making a prison sentence appropriate. 

“The seriousness of your crime cannot be overstated,” he told Saint Louis after handing down the sentence. 

Defense counsel for Saint Louis said he is a green card holder from Haiti who may face deportation after he completes his prison sentence. While Pittman acknowledged this, he noted that he fashioned the sentence without regard for the possible impact on Saint Louis’ immigration status. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual abuse, call Safe Passage Violence Prevention Center’s 24-hour helpline: 208-664-9303.