Pair charged in alleged sex abuse case

Police arrested a Bonners Ferry couple amid an ongoing investigation of alleged sexual offenses against a minor. 

Arrested were Richard Gerald Cowell III, 54, and Katherine Christine Cowell, 50, both of Bonners Ferry. Richard Cowell is charged with criminal conspiracy and is being held on a $1 million bond. Katherine Cowell is charged with lewd conduct with a child under the age of 16 and is also being held on a $1 million bond.

According to court records, the charges stem from an alleged incident involving sexual contact between Catherine Cowell and a minor under the age of 16 between 2012 and 2015. Richard Cowell is alleged to have walked into the room and started to fondle Catherine Cowell while the alleged sexual contact was taking place. 

An initial hearing for both was held Thursday, Feb. 6 with both bound over for a preliminary hearing set for Feb. 18. 

Given the sensitive nature of these allegations and the potential for additional victims, Boundary County Sheriff Travis Stolley said the department is urging anyone with information they feel is relevant to come forward. 

"The safety and well-being of children in Boundary County is our utmost priority," Stolley said. "We understand that these situations are incredibly sensitive and that children may be afraid to come forward. We are committed to thoroughly investigating these reports and holding those responsible accountable. We want to assure anyone who has been affected that they will be treated with respect and compassion." 

Authorities urged anyone with information related to the investigation, no matter how insignificant, or know of a child who may be a victim of a sexual offense to contact the Boundary County Sheriff's Office at 208-267-3151. 

Anyone who suspects child abuse or neglect should contact the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Child Protective Services at 1-855-552-5437. The National Sexual Assault Hotline is also available 24/7 at 800-656-HOPE. The [National Child Abuse Hotline] is available 24/7 at 1-800-422-4453. 

Additionally, Boundary County Victims Services is available 24 hours a day at 208-267-5211.  

The Boundary County Sheriff's Office would like to thank the public for their cooperation and assistance in this extremely sensitive and ongoing investigation.