By Katie Banning
More than 30 people piled into a Bonner County courtroom today to listen intently to a much anticipated and long-awaited sentencing in the case of Richard Cowell III who, on February 6, 2025, was taken into custody after two of his now adult children came forward to law enforcement officer, Bonners Ferry City Police Chief, Willie Cowell with allegations of sexual abuse.
Judge Susie Jensen presided.
Louis Marshall, Bonner County prosecutor read the victim impact statement written by Richard’s daughter, ” … I grieve the father I wish I had … you stole a part of me, and I can never get that back …”
You could hear a pin drop.
Next, the son of Richard Cowell bravely stood and approached the prosecutor’s bench to read his victim statement. The room was silent, and then he spoke. He spoke of the unimaginable acts done to him and the impact it will forever have on him and on his family.
“Accountability … A weak man hides behind a cloak of cowardice,” he read, going on to explain that though he has forgiven his father, justice should still be served. He referred to Revelation 21:8, “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
Defendant Cowell was asked if he had anything to say. He did.
“I apologize for the grief to my family and to my community,” he said, “A lot of things have been said that are not true. I am not a child molester. I didn’t molest my daughter … I am just very sorry.”
Judge Jensen addressed Cowell, holding back tears.
“You minimized and made excuses and tried to justify your actions to be amiable,” she said. “They will bear the burden of this for their entire lives.”
She explained how she had many factors to consider and the fact that he took a plea acted in his favor, that no amount of money could fix what he had done.
“Imprisonment will prove appropriate punishment,” she said, adding that she appreciated that he took the plea as it was the least he could do to allow his children to avoid taking the stand and be cross examined.
She then concurred with the prosecution and sentenced Richard Cowell, III to 17 years fixed, five years indeterminant with credit for time served on charges of criminal conspiracy and lewd conduct with a child under 16.
The no-contact order will remain in place for 17 years.
At the convenience of Bonner County detention, Richard Cowell, III will be transported to Idaho Department of Corrections in Kuna, Idaho.
His wife, Katherine, is scheduled for a five-day jury trial to begin at 9 a.m. on Monday, December 8 on two counts of lewd conduct with a child under 16. If convicted, she faces up to life in prison on each count.
