Monday, February 16, 2026
39.0°F

Former county man pleads not guilty to four sex abuse charges

CHLOE COCHRAN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 10 months, 3 weeks AGO
by CHLOE COCHRAN
| March 29, 2025 1:00 AM

SANPOINT — A former Bonner County resident pleaded not guilty to charges related to an alleged lewd conduct offense that took place over an estimated one-to-two-year time span.  

Klaus Ronald Schroeder entered the plea at a Thursday arraignment hearing, where he appeared via Zoom.  

Schroeder, 22, is charged with two counts of felony rape-resists but resistance is overcome by force, one count of felony rape (attempted) and one count of felony lewd conduct with a child under 16.  

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

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 allegedly touched the victim inappropriately, for arousal purposes, while viewing pornography. Court documents are unclear on how long the alleged sexual abuse lasted.  

If convicted, Schroeder would be required to register as a sex offender and could face up to life in prison and over $100,000 in fines.  

He is expected to appear in court for a week-long jury trial July 11, with a pretrial date of June 15.

ARTICLES BY CHLOE COCHRAN

Zoning commission denies proposed marina expansion
February 14, 2026 1 a.m.

Zoning commission denies proposed marina expansion

After a six-and-a-half-hour meeting, the Bonner County zoning commission unanimously denied a conditional use permit to expand a commercial marina off Lakeshore Drive in Sagle.

Solid Waste reports slow sites, increased phone calls
February 13, 2026 1 a.m.

Solid Waste reports slow sites, increased phone calls

During Bonner County's solid waste department update, officials noted a continued uptick in calls from residents following last year’s sticker and fee increase, even as overall waste tonnage declines.

County approves facilities updates, bridge design contract
February 14, 2026 1 a.m.

County approves facilities updates, bridge design contract

Bonner County commissioners accepted several agenda items for county infrastructure improvements during Tuesday’s business meeting, including approving safety updates and a bridge design contract.