By Katie Banning
The trial of Boundary County woman Katherine Cowell accused of two counts of lewd conduct with a child under 16 in February 2025 is over after just two days.
“They (the victims) told the truth, and she’s guilty.” Prosecutor Louis Marshall said to the panel of jurors in his closing statement.
The jury deliberated for just under four hours and found Katherine Cowell guilty of two counts of lewd conduct with a child under 16. She is now awaiting sentencing.
On February 5, 2025, the two victims in the case came forward to Bonners Ferry Chief of Police Willie Cowell with allegations of sexual abuse and before day’s end, Richard Cowell III and Katherine Cowell, husband and wife, were taken into custody. Due to a conflict of interest, the couple were transferred to Bonner County Detention, where they have been held since their arrest.
In November, Richard Cowell, III, was sentenced to 17 years fixed with five years indeterminate on charges of criminal conspiracy and lewd conduct with a child under 16.
Katherine Cowell will stand before Judge Susie Jensen for her sentencing on April 20, 2026, and could be sentenced to up to two life terms.
