SANDPOINT — A pretrial conference for a Boundary County woman charged with child sexual abuse is slated to take place Dec. 1 in preparation for a trial that has already been postponed twice.  

Long-time Naples resident Katherine Cowell, 51, is facing two charges of lewd conduct with a minor for alleged incidents that took place between 2012 and 2015.  

If found guilty, she could be sentenced to life in prison for having allegedly been involved with sexual contact of a minor. Her husband, Richard Cowell III, 55, pleaded guilty to similar charges in July of criminal conspiracy and lewd conduct with a minor, for which he was sentenced to serve 17 years in prison before being eligible for parole.  

Court documents indicate that the crimes he pleaded guilty to were allegedly committed with his wife, Katherine. However, prosecutors note that his plea does not legally affect her presumption of innocence. 

Cowell remains at the Bonner County Jail on a $1 million bond, despite two requests for either a bond reduction or to be released on her own recognizance.  

Police arrested Richard and Katherine Cowell on Feb. 5 at their home in Naples, which doubled as an unlicensed child daycare.  

Court documents contend that the alleged abuse took place between 2012 and 2015, with the daycare opening its doors in 2019. The daycare permanently closed its doors six days after the couple’s arrest. 

During a joint preliminary hearing, the alleged victims testified they were coerced into sexual relations with the couple as minors. At Richard’s sentencing, both victims provided statements as well, noting Richard’s lack of accountability for the actions to which he pleaded guilty.  

Katherine is expected to stand trial Dec. 8 for the alleged crimes, where the hearing is expected to last five days due to substantial discovery and evidence.

    Richard Cowell III.