Man faces unlawful entry charge

SANDPOINT - A Washington businessman is due in court Friday to answer allegations that he forced his way into a Laclede home last year while nude from the waist down.

Ricky Francis Harter is charged with unlawful entry and malicious injury to property. He is free on his own recognizance while the misdemeanor case is pending, court records show.

The charges date to September 2014, when he was allegedly captured on a surveillance camera breaking into the home. Video of the break-in was given to Bonner County sheriff's officials.

The owner of the home recognized the perpetrator, according to a probable cause affidavit. Harter was also identified as the suspect via his Washington driver's license.

Harter, a 51-year-old Spokane resident, used pliers to force open a doorknob, the affidavit said. The affidavit further stated that Harter was naked from the waist down.

Harter was confronted with the allegations by sheriff's detectives last November.

"After having been advised of his Miranda rights, Ricky Harter confessed to being under the influence of alcohol and prescription drugs and to breaking into the (victim's) home with the intent to masturbate in a stranger's house," Det. Sgt. Gary Johnston said in the affidavit.

Magistrate Court Judge Lori Meulenberg found there was probable cause to bring the charges last month, court records indicate.

A message left for Harter's attorney, Chris Bugbee, was not immediately returned on Wednesday evening.