Sunday, October 04, 2026
60.0°F

Former county man pleads not guilty to four sex abuse charges

CHLOE COCHRAN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 6 months 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

A walk for hope, healing and mental health awareness
October 4, 2026 1 a.m.

A walk for hope, healing and mental health awareness

You're not alone

Saturday, Oct. 3, shaped up to be the perfect morning for a walk.

PBR seeks mutual dismissal of lawsuits, cites pending CUP application
October 2, 2026 1 a.m.

PBR seeks mutual dismissal of lawsuits, cites pending CUP application

In one of Bonner County’s more controversial land-use cases, Panhandle Bike Ranch owners are asking for a mutual dismissal of lawsuits between the county and the bike park after saying they plan to file a new conditional use permit application.

Kootenai Valley Pumpkin Patch brings fall tradition close to home
October 3, 2026 1 a.m.

Kootenai Valley Pumpkin Patch brings fall tradition close to home

Just a short drive up the Kootenai River, there is a beautiful hayfield and a barn nestled among the fields.