Suspect's wife files for divorce

COEUR d'ALENE - Joseph Bekken, arrested last week for allegedly trading scholarship money for sex, has re-applied for a public defender and reduced bail because his wife refuses to help him financially.

Bekken's wife, Molly Bekken, filed for divorce on Wednesday.

According to court files, Bekken filed two requests on Monday asking the judge to reduce his bail and appoint a public defender.

"I need to put an appeal in for re-request of a public defender," he wrote in his request. "My financial situation is rough. My wife is unwilling to provide any financial support or help."

Bekken listed his net income as $900 per month after taxes, but also listed that he has $15,000 in the bank and $40,000 in a 401(k) account.

"I cannot pay bond to retrieve any 401(k) help," he wrote. "I am kind of stuck with receiving local support, which I desperately need."

In the meantime, Bekken has retained attorney Sean Walsh, who also filed a motion with the judge asking for a reduction in Bekken's bail amount, saying $100,000 is excessive.

Bekken's re-request for reduced bail was also based on his financial situation.

"My financial situation does not come close to allowing me to pay a portion of this amount," he wrote. "I am not going to run. I have complied with all aspects of the investigation."

Bekken remained in jail on Thursday, where he faces five felony charges that include attempted misuse of public funds, attempted procurement of prostitution, burglary, using a computer in a scheme to defraud and bribery.

A preliminary trail has been scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Thursday.