Man charged with molesting girls

RATHDRUM — A man is being held on $100,000 bail after police said he molested two girls.

Shawn M. Avery, 46, of Rathdrum, is charged with burglary, lewd conduct with a minor under 16 and two counts of sexual abuse of a child, all felonies.

Deputies with the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office responded Monday to Rathdrum after two girls, aged 12 and 13, said Avery had touched them inappropriately.

One of the girls said the abuse had been ongoing for years. She described an incident several months ago when she said Avery asked her to get inside his truck.

After joining her inside the vehicle, Avery allegedly pulled at the girl’s clothes and touched her privates.

In Idaho, entering any vehicle with the intent to commit a felony offense is considered burglary.

The second girl told police Avery had molested her since she was a small child.

She described an incident in which Avery allegedly touched her inappropriately in her own home.

Both girls told police they did not disclose the abuse until recently because they feared what Avery might do as a result.

In a phone call, Avery admitted touching one of the girls, police said.

He told the girl’s mother that he was sorry for what he had done and needed help, according to court documents.

Police arrested Avery.

Judge Clark Peterson ordered Tuesday that Avery be held on $100,000 bail.