Police officer jailed on child abuse charges
(Photo courtesy BILL OXFORD)
SANDPOINT — An Oldtown man is detained for six alleged sexual conduct charges.
Raul Adrian Lopez, 37, turned himself into the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office early this week on three counts of lewd conduct against a child, and two counts child sexual abuse for events beginning in August through last week.
Until recently, Lopez was employed at the Newport Police Department in Washington state. He previously worked as an officer with the Bonners Ferry Police Department.
Lopez’s alleged offenses involve a single victim in Idaho.
The victim came forward to her mother in a handwritten note detailing the abuse allegedly committed by Lopez. The mother “panicked” and reached out to law enforcement, including Lopez.
The mother questioned Lopez about the allegations. According to court documents, while he initially denied the allegations, he later shifted, saying to the mother of the victim that, “there is no excuse” and “that it has been going on for a couple of months.”
On all occasions, Lopez allegedly assaulted the victim while she was sleeping at an Oldtown residence.
It is unclear if Lopez will continue serving as a police officer, as he did not list any employment on his application for a public defender. According to court documents, Newport Police Chief Mark Duxbury “temporarily relieved Raul of his official police duties” last week when the allegations came to light.
Lopez is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing in front of First District Magistrate Judge Justin Julian on Feb. 2 to determine if there is enough probable cause for the charges to proceed through the court process.
The victim in this case did not disclose the alleged abuse immediately, in part, because she said she was very mad.
There are 24/7 local resources available that can advocate for victims on their behalf — and connect them with resources that will aid in healing from trauma. There is no time limit for anyone who comes forward to report these kinds of crimes against minors. LillyBrooke Family Justice Center can be reached at 208-265-3586.