COEUR d’ALENE — A man who pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a girl over a period of several years will spend up to a decade in prison.

John D. Summerlin, 55, formerly of Coeur d’Alene, pleaded guilty in December to sexual abuse of a child under the age of 16, a felony punishable by up to 25 years in prison. 

First District Judge Lansing Haynes sentenced Summerlin this week to 10 years in prison with parole eligibility after five years. 

Police began investigating in October 2024, after receiving a report that Summerlin had molested a child between 2012 and 2015. Summerlin lived in Coeur d’Alene when the abuse occurred, according to court records, and resided in Mississippi when the criminal investigation commenced. 

When contacted by Coeur d’Alene police, a woman told investigators that Summerlin sexually abused her during her childhood. 

The woman said she told a friend about the abuse in 2013; descriptions of her disclosures are written in the friend’s journal, which police obtained. The woman said she also disclosed the abuse to others around 2015 but was rebuffed and discouraged from reporting the abuse to police, according to court records.  

In a recorded phone call, Summerlin told the woman he was trying to make her feel “loved, wanted and desired” when he “did what he did” during her childhood and urged her not to talk to police, court records say.  

“I would like for you to tell them absolutely nothing,” Summerlin said, according to court records. “Or you can tell them the whole thing is what it is. They’ll issue a warrant, probably, at that point and there won’t be a whole lot I can do about it.” 

A Kootenai County judge issued a $250,000 warrant for Summerlin’s arrest in late October 2024. Police arrested Summerlin about a month later. 

Before receiving his sentence, Summerlin said he was “extremely remorseful” for the harm he caused through his actions. 

“I am accepting responsibility for that,” he said. “I can’t go back and change it. All I can do is continue to move forward and restore my relationship with my family.” 

Prosecutors said the woman has struggled with depression and thoughts of suicide as a result of the abuse and that coping with the effects of Summerlin’s abuse has been “her biggest life battle.” 

“This is the type of damage that does not go away,” said prosecuting attorney Molly Nivison. 

Haynes indicated that imposing a prison sentence was the only appropriate option. 

“There is evidence that this was an ongoing form of sexual abuse,” he said in court. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual abuse, reach Safe Passage 24/7 by calling 208-664-9303 or texting 208-449-7228.