Cowells' charges mount in child abuse investigation
Charges against Richard and Katherine Cowell have been updated to include alleged rape of an additional minor victim. Over 30 interviews have been conducted in law enforcement's investigation.
Photo by NED NEWTON
The criminal case against former Naples daycare owners Richard and Katherine Cowell, arrested Feb. 5, was amended Friday, Feb. 14 to include a second victim.
The updated criminal complaint charges Richard Cowell with raping a female child between 2013 and 2016. Katherine Cowell has been charged with conspiring in the act.
The couple was initially charged earlier this month with conspiring in an act of lewd conduct on a male under the age of 16 between 2012 and 2015.
Boundary County Sheriff Travis Stolley said as additional information was gathered during the investigation, Bonner County deputy prosecutor Sarah Hyde determined it was necessary to amend the complaints with the additional charges.
Court records indicate over 30 interviews have been conducted by the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office and LillyBrooke Family Justice Center, a victim advocacy center in Sandpoint. Prosecutors have also reviewed more than 120 search warrant photos from the investigation.
“The initial wave of investigation is done,” Stolley said. “It was a lot of work.”
On Feb. 6, BCSO urged parents who sent children to Little Zookeepers Daycare to come forward if they believe their child may have been a victim. On Feb. 11, the Cowells' daycare was permanently closed.
The preliminary hearings for both Richard and Katherine Cowell have been rescheduled to March 17 at 1:30 p.m. at the Boundary County Courthouse. Both have waived their rights to a speedy trial as well as their arraignment of the amended complaints.
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.