Ex-mayorial candidate arrested for sexual assault

A onetime Bonners Ferry mayorial candidate and business owner is accused of sexually assaulting an 8-year-old girl twice, according to court records.

Michael Lee Huggins, 39, was arrested on Friday after the Boundary County Sheriff's Office conducted an investigation with the Health and Welfare Office.

Huggins is charged with two counts of lewd conduct with a child. One incident occurred a week or so prior to his arrest and the other was a year and a half ago, according to court records.

Huggins, a teacher of kung fu at the Ming Center, is being held in Boundary County Jail on a $20,000 bond.

The sheriff's office said it will further investigate to determine if there are other victims.

Huggins ran against Dave Anderson and Mick Mellett for mayor on Nov. 6. He finished last with 23 votes.

Anderson won the election.