Judge Tera Harden set bond at $1-million each for Katherine Christine, 50, and her husband, Richard Gerald Cowell and ordered both to stay away from all minors at their initial hearing at 1:45 p.m. today, with the hearing conducted via Zoom.
Both were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit lewd conduct with a child under 16 on Wednesday.
The two ran Little Zoo Keeper Day Care from their home at the top of Peterson Hill. At least one additional charge is expected as the investigation continues, additional cases are suspected.
So lurid is the case that the affidavit in support of arrest was sealed by Judge Justin Julian, as their publication, “would be highly objectionable to reasonable person.”
It’s hard enough to read the criminal complaint:
“That the Defendant, KATHERINE CHRISTINE COWELL, between the years 2012 and 2015, in the County of Boundary, State of Idaho, did willfully and lewdly, commit lewd and lascivious act with the body of minor, under the age of sixteen years, to-wit: of the age of between the years 14-16, by Defendant having manual to genital, genital to genital and oral to genital contact with the minor, with the intent to gratify, arouse, and/or appeal to the lust, passion and/or sexual desire of the Defendant, violation of Idaho Code Section 18-1508, felony, ” and:
“That the Defendant, RICHARD GERALD COWELL, III, between the years 2012 and 2015, in the County of Boundary, State of Idaho, the defendants, Richard Gerald Cowell, III and Katherine Christine Cowell, did willfully and lewdly and knowingly combine, conspire, confederate and agree to commit lewd and lascivious act with the body of minor, under the age of sixteen years, to-wit: of the age of between the years 14-16, by Defendant having manual to genital, genital to genital and oral to genital contact with the minor, with the intent to gratify, arouse, and/or appeal to the lust, passion and/or sexual desire of the Defendant, violation of Idaho Code Section 18-1508, felony.”
After today’s hearing, the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office issued the following release:
“The Boundary County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating reports of sexual offenses against minor children involving defendants Richard G. Cowell III (54) and Katherine Cowell (50), both of Bonners Ferry, Idaho. The couple was arrested late yesterday, February 5th. Given the sensitive nature of these allegations and the potential for additional victims, the Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information they feel is relevant to come forward.
“If you believe a child may be a victim of a sexual offense in Boundary County, or if you have any information related to this investigation, no matter how insignificant it may seem, please contact the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office at 208-267-3151.
“‘The safety and well-being of children in Boundary County is our utmost priority,’ said Boundary County Sheriff Travis Stolley. ‘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.'”
“If you suspect child abuse or neglect, please contact the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Child Protective Services at State intake number 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.”
Despite both she and Judge Justin Julian both having recused themselves because Richard is the brother of Bonners Ferry Police Chief Willie Cowell, Boundary County Prosecuting attorney Andrakay Pluid did represent the state at today’s initial hearing, requesting the high bond as well as the stipulation that they not only have no contact with the alleged victim, but with no minors at all.
Despite the defense requesting a bond of $50,000, Judge Harden concurred that the severity of the alleged crimes and the threat they posed, Pluid’s recommendation prevailed.
Preliminary hearings for both have been set before Judge Harden at 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 18.