BONNERS FERRY — A man who pleaded guilty to assault with intent to commit a serious felony is scheduled for sentencing on April 8.  

Jerry Dean Olson, 80, was initially charged with two counts of lewd and lascivious conduct. As part of a plea deal, he pled guilty to the assault charge on Sept. 17, 2025.  

Olson was charged after allegedly entering a bathroom with two minors while he was undressed, creating imminent fear of sexual violence, according to court documents. He was initially charged on April 4, 2025, and taken into custody in Tuscarawas, Ohio, on April 7 on a $200,000 bond, which he posted later that month.    

The plea deal is contingent on the result of a psychosexual evaluation, which has not been made available to the public. However, the state will ask for a minimum of six years of probation regardless of the result. 

If the result of the PSE is below average, the state is recommending probation with a local jail time. The state has an open recommendation regarding the length of jail time. 

If the PSE returns as average, the state will limit its recommendations to retained jurisdiction, according to the plea deal. However, if the PSE is above average, the state is free to recommend whatever it deems appropriate, including prison. 

Olson entered an Alford plea on the charge of assault, meaning he maintains his innocence, but believes the prosecution has enough evidence for a jury to find him guilty.    

He will also be required to register as a sex offender and is not allowed to have contact with the alleged victims.

According to Idaho Code, assault with the intent to commit a serious felony is punishable by a maximum of 15 years in state prison.