$5 million bail for man charged with child sexual abuse
KAYE THORNBRUGH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 7 months, 1 week AGO
Kaye Thornbrugh is a second-generation Kootenai County resident who has been with the Coeur d’Alene Press for six years. She primarily covers Kootenai County’s government, as well as law enforcement, the legal system and North Idaho College. | March 10, 2026 1:00 AM
COEUR d’ALENE — A man accused of sexually abusing two children is in jail on $5 million bail.
In early February, a grand jury indicted David E. Wilder, 53, on two counts of lewd conduct with a minor under the age of 16, two counts of sexual abuse of a minor under the age of 16 and a single count of sexual exploitation of a child by possessing sexually explicit material, all felonies.
The charges stem from conduct that allegedly occurred between August 2015 through April 2016 in Bonner and Kootenai Counties, according to court records.
Prosecutors allege that Wilder sexually abused two children who were between the ages of 13 and 15 years old at the time, according to court records, and committed other acts “not amounting to lewd conduct.”
In April 2025, Wilder allegedly possessed a video of an adult sexually abusing a teen.
A Kootenai County judge issued a $5 million warrant for Wilder’s arrest on Feb. 4. He was arrested and booked into jail March 4, where he remains.
Wilder is scheduled for arraignment March 31.
In Idaho, sexual abuse of a minor under the age of 16 is punishable by up to 25 years in prison, while lewd conduct with a child under the age of 16 carries a maximum possible penalty of life in prison.
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.
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