Man accused of molesting niece

HAYDEN — A man is being held on $50,000 bail after police said he molested his 4-year-old niece.

The 40-year-old Coeur d’Alene man is charged with lewd conduct with a minor under 16, a felony.

The child’s parents contacted police in early December, after their 6-year-old child allegedly said her uncle had put his hand inside her underwear while she sat in his lap.

She said the incident occurred at a family member’s home out of state, according to court documents. A report was filed with local police.

The couple’s other child, a 4-year-old, also reportedly said her uncle touched her inappropriately at a family member’s residence in Hayden during the summer.

She told police he put his hand inside her underwear while she sat on his lap with a blanket covering them.

Investigators conducted interviews with the children and others before bringing charges against the man, according to court documents.

In a recorded phone call with one of the children’s parents, the man allegedly said he did not remember touching the 6-year-old as she described but apologized for touching the 4-year-old’s private area, police said.

Police arrested the man at his residence late last week.

When questioned, he allegedly admitted to putting his hand inside the 4-year-old’s pants.

Judge Anna Eckhart ordered this week that the man be held on $50,000 bail and issued a no contact order between the man and the children.

The Press is not naming the suspect at this time because that would reveal the identity of the victims. The Press tries to protect the privacy of victims.