The jury trial that was set for Monday, September 29, for local woman, Katherine Cowell has been postponed for a second time. The trial date has been re-scheduled to December 8, and a pre-trial conference is scheduled on December 1 at 1:30 p.m. at Bonner County Courthouse with Judge Susie Jensen presiding.
Richard Cowell III, 54, was charged with rape of a child 16 or under and criminal conspiracy, and Katherine Cowell, 51, charged with two counts of lewd conduct with a child under 16.
On February 5, 2025, the victim(s), two of the Cowell’s now adult children, came forward to law enforcement officer Bonners Ferry City Police Chief, Willie Cowell, brother of Richard Cowell III, with allegations of sexual abuse. That same evening, after probable cause was established, both Cowells were taken into custody by the Boundary County Sheriff’s office where they were later transported to Bonner County due to conflict of interest.
Richard Cowell III entered into a plea deal and sentencing is set for November 3, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at the Bonner County courthouse.