Hearing waived in molestation case

HAYDEN — The case of a man accused of molesting his niece has been referred to the district court for further action.

The 40-year-old Coeur d’Alene man is charged with lewd conduct with a minor under 16, a felony. A preliminary hearing in the case was waived this week.

The child’s parents contacted police in early December, after their 4-year-old daughter reportedly said her uncle touched her inappropriately at a family member’s residence in Hayden during the summer.

Investigators conducted interviews with the child and others before bringing charges against the man, who was arrested earlier this month, according to court documents.

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

The Press is not naming the suspect at this time because that would reveal the identity of the victim.