The jury trial that was set for Monday, December 8, for local woman Katherine Cowell has been postponed. The trial date has been re-scheduled to February 9, 2026, with Judge Susie Jensen presiding. This will be the third postponement.
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 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 was sentenced 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.
