Man arrested on lewd conduct, witness intimidation
CHLOE COCHRAN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 months, 2 weeks AGO
Bruce Kirtley
Courtesy of BONNER COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
OLDTOWN — An Oldtown man has been charged with a felony related to the alleged abuse of a 15-year-old minor.
Bruce Glen Kirtley, 29, is charged with felony lewd conduct with a minor and felony witness intimidation for allegedly threatening the girl to prevent her from reporting the incident to authorities.
If convicted, Kirtley is facing up to life in prison and/or a $50,000 fine.
He currently resides at the Bonner County Jail on a $250,000 bond.
Authorities were alerted to the alleged crime after a medical assistant of specialized trauma nurse reported concerns following an exam of the victim. The abuse was reported to have occurred in Oldtown, Idaho and Newport, Wash.
According to court documents, the girl was assaulted while asleep, and upon waking, was allegedly threatened by Kirtley that he would harm her if she disclosed what happened.
Kirtley was arrested in Pend Orielle County for third-degree child molestation, ultimately being released on his own recognizance.
He was subsequently arrested and taken into custody by Bonner County authorities. Documents also indicate the Federal Bureau of Investigation is also looking into the case due to allegations that Kirtley "took the girl over state lines for immoral purposes."
Kirtley is expected to appear in court Dec. 3 for a preliminary hearing, where the court will determine if there is enough evidence to charge him with the felonies.
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