On January 29 a Motion in Limine was filed to exclude evidence of silence in the case of lewd conduct with a minor under the age of 16 against Katherine Cowell of Bonners Ferry.
That motion was denied by Judge Susie Jensen in a February 5 hearing.
The jury trial is set for Monday, February 9 in Bonner County with Judge Susie presiding and is expected to last five days.
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, was charged with rape of a child 16 or under and criminal conspiracy, and Katherine Cowell was charged with two counts of lewd conduct with a child under 16.
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.
