Former coach charged with lewd conduct

BONNERS FERRY — A local rancher and former boys basketball coach at Boundary County Middle School and Badger JV has been charged with three counts of lewd conduct.

A warrant was issued for Ryan Mai’s arrest on Nov. 23, who was arrested later that day. His bond was set for $500 and he posted bond and was released the same day.

Magistrate Judge Justin Julian ordered Mai to have no contact with the alleged victim at his first appearance on Nov. 26. Two other no contact orders were issued, one on Nov. 26 and another on Dec. 1.

A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Dec. 17 with Judge Justin Julian presiding.

Boundary County School District Superintendent Jan Bayer said that Mai is not currently an employee at BCSD. He resigned from his assistant basketball coaching position earlier in the year for another matter, she said.

The superintendents said that BCSD staff is here and available to support all students.

Counselors are still available for students needing help coming to terms with the allegations.

There is no statute of limitations for underage sexual assault victims to come forward. Many victims begin by confiding in someone they trust. There are 24/7 hotlines available for those looking to report a crime or provide information.