Post Falls man faces sex abuse charges

An 82-year-old Post Falls man waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday in Kootenai County District Court for charges of sexual abuse.

Harry Meador is facing three counts of sexual abuse of a child under 16 years of age and six counts of lewd conduct with a minor under the age of 16. According to a Post Falls Police Department investigative report, Meador's alleged victims were 5, 6, and 7 when the abuse allegedly occurred.

The girls' mother reported the alleged activity to the Post Falls Police Department in June and told officers that when they moved to the area her kids quickly became friends with Meador's granddaughter.

"(The mother) said that Harry has a swing set, pool, and trampoline in his backyard that all of her kids enjoy playing on," the report states. "(The mother) said throughout time, Harry became like a 'Papa' to her kids because he would always take them everywhere and take care of them. (She) said that Harry would tell her everyday that her kids could come over."

However, the mother became suspicious when her youngest daughter began exhibiting unusual behavior. The abuse allegedly occurred for months, the mother said.

In an interview with police after his arrest, Meador said the family owed him more than $200 and "he was sure this was a ploy for them to get out of paying the money they owed to him."

A trial date has not been set.