$100k bail for stalking, kidnapping suspect
KAYE THORNBRUGH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 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 17, 2026 1:00 AM
COEUR d’ALENE — A man who prosecutors said repeatedly entered a woman’s home and held her against her will over the weekend is being held on $100,000 bail.
Justin R. Raper, 37, is charged with kidnapping, stalking in the first degree and burglary, all felonies. He also faces charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, both misdemeanors to which he has pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutors said in court Monday that Raper turned up at a former girlfriend’s residence March 11, 12 and 14.
Raper was trespassed from the residence March 11, prosecutors said, but came back in the early morning hours of March 12. He allegedly picked the lock and barged into the home, where he “grabbed and hugged” the woman against her will.
Prosecutors said Raper returned later the same day and banged on a window before pushing his way through a door and then locking himself inside the woman’s bedroom. He left when he learned that the woman’s friends had called law enforcement and allegedly took some of her belongings with him, including a winning lottery ticket.
Raper allegedly entered the woman’s home a third time on the morning of March 14, prosecutors said, and refused to leave. The woman “did not feel free or safe” to leave her residence during this encounter, according to the Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Around 4:30 a.m. March 15, Raper allegedly sent the woman a photo of himself holding a gun, along with a threatening message, according to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office. Raper is not allowed to possess firearms due to past felony convictions, police said.
Police obtained a $100,000 warrant for Raper’s arrest and later located him in the 4000 block of West Grange Avenue in the unincorporated area of Post Falls, according to KCSO.
After Raper “initially refused to exit and surrender,” the Joint Agency SWAT team responded to the scene, according to KCSO. Raper eventually exited the residence and was arrested without further incident.
He remains in jail on $100,000 bail.
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.
ARTICLES BY KAYE THORNBRUGH
Prosecutor condemns threatening comments
After press release sparks outcry, Mortensen shares insight
After a news release about the outcome of a criminal case sparked outcry this week, Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney Stan Mortensen said he aims to inform the public through the information he publishes, not fan the flames of anger.
No serious injuries after car drives off Resort parking garage
No serious injuries were reported Friday afternoon after an occupied vehicle drove off the third level of the Coeur d'Alene Resort parking garage, according to authorities.
KCRCC addresses investigation into Prop 1 signers
Details under wraps after lengthy meeting
In a tense meeting that stretched past midnight this week, the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee discussed an investigation into members who signed to qualify a proposed abortion-rights initiative for the November ballot.