Rathdrum man jailed for child sex abuse

COEUR d’ALENE — A man who reportedly confessed to sexually abusing a child for years is in jail.

Courtney B. Gothmann, 38, of Rathdrum, is charged with lewd conduct with a minor under the age of 16, a felony.

The abuse is alleged to have occurred over the course of about five years.

Court documents indicate that the child recently disclosed the alleged abuse to several people, who contacted law enforcement.

During the investigation, Rathdrum police conducted interviews with the child and others.

When interviewed by police on Monday, Gothmann reportedly admitted to touching the child inappropriately on multiple occasions over an extended period.

He also said he had “repented” for his actions and believed the child had forgiven him.

Police arrested Gothmann after the interview.

First District Judge Mayli Walsh ordered on Tuesday that Gothmann be held on $100,000 bail.

In Idaho, lewd conduct with a minor under the age of 16 is punishable by a maximum of life in prison.