Oldtown man arrested, child enticement
CHLOE COCHRAN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 months, 3 weeks AGO
Eben Steele
Courtesy of BONNER COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
OLDTOWN — A man residing in Oldtown was arrested Nov. 8 for a handful of felonies and misdemeanors relating back to an incident involving drugs and communication with a minor.
Eben Steele, 44, is facing felony charges of child enticement through the internet, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor charges of injury to child, battery to a police officer and resisting arrest.
Steele currently resides at the Bonner County Jail on a $250,000 bond.
If convicted of the crimes, Steele could be facing a punishment of up to 34 years in prison for the combined charges.
According to a probable cause affidavit, law enforcement became aware of the alleged crime by way of a 911 call after concerns were raised of a youth receiving messages from Steele while under the influence of methamphetamine.
Documents indicate Steele was allegedly encouraging the individual to partake in drug usage. Text messages between Steele and the youth allegedly included Steele discussing lewd conduct with the minor.
The text thread further alleges Steele had two guns — a revolver and a shotgun. Due to a felony charge of third-degree assault in 1999, it is unlawful for Steele to possess firearms.
The 1999 felony may also play a factor in this case, doubling Steele’s penalty if he is found guilty of the additional charges alleged against him.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled to occur Nov. 19, where Steele is projected to request a bond reduction on the charges.
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