COEUR d’ALENE — A man who sexually battered seven different children received a lengthy prison sentence, according to the Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Anthony William Peter Herrera, 41, pleaded guilty in May to two counts of sexual battery, both misdemeanors, and two counts of injury to a child, both felonies. 

Prosecutors first charged Herrera in 2025 with seven counts of child sexual abuse, all felonies. In exchange for Herrera’s guilty pleas to the other four offenses, prosecutors dismissed the child sexual abuse charges, according to court records. 

First District Judge Barry McHugh sentenced Herrera this month to 20 years in prison, the maximum possible sentence for injury to a child, with parole eligibility after 12 years. 

“The number of victims in this case is shocking and indicates an inability to restrain your conduct,” McHugh said before handing down the sentence. “To describe it as crossing boundaries isn’t appropriate. It’s much more serious than that.” 

The charges stem from an allegation that Herrera inappropriately touched a child, according to prosecutors. 

“Over the course of the investigation, it was determined that Herrera had sexually battered seven different children between the ages of 6 and 10 years old,” the prosecutor’s office said in a news release. 

Prosecuting attorney Nick Lepire said Herrera poses a high risk of reoffending because he “doesn’t acknowledge the severity of this behavior.” 

“He says he violated boundaries and he thought it was playful and fun,” Lepire told the court. 

Herrera had a previous conviction for injury to a child in 2009, prosecutors said, which resulted from an investigation into an allegation that a 22-year-old Herrera had a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old. Though the judge in that case opted to retain jurisdiction and place Herrera in a prison treatment program, called a rider, prosecutors said Herrera later violated the terms of his probation and spent time in prison.

In the 2025 case, prosecutors recommended a 20-year prison sentence with parole eligibility after 10 years, in accordance with the plea deal, while Herrera's defense counsel recommended a 10-year sentence with parole eligibility after five years. 

“I’m not going to follow either recommendation,” McHugh said. 

McHugh noted the young ages of the children Herrera battered. He said the lengthy prison sentence should allow the children to grow up without fear that Herrera is in the community. 

“My primary concern is their well-being,” McHugh said. 

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.