Prosecutor's office announces sentencings

The Kootenai County Prosecutor’s Office announced that two men will be going to prison after being sentenced Monday for crimes they were each convicted of involving victims who are children. The cases are unrelated.

Watts sentenced for lewd conduct with a minor

Daniel Lee Watts, 34, of Post Falls, was convicted of lewd conduct with a minor under 16.

Watts engaged in oral sex with a 5-year-old child, said a news release from the prosecutor's office. Watts also admitted to similarly abusing two other children and viewing child pornography.

Lewd conduct with a minor under 16 is a felony punishable by up to life in prison.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Rebecca Perez recommended a life prison sentence with parole eligibility after 20 years.

District Judge Scott Wayman sentenced Watts to a 20-year prison sentence with parole eligibility after 10 years.

“Prosecuting Attorney Stanley T. Mortensen thanks Rebecca Perez for prosecuting the case and the Bonner County and Kootenai County Sheriff’s Offices for investigating the case,” said the release.

Olphie sentenced for aggravated assault on an infant

Devin Thomas Olphie, 30, of Athol, was convicted of aggravated battery.

Olphie admitted to shaking a 6-month-old infant, causing great bodily harm and/or permanent disability to the infant, said the news release.

Aggravated battery is a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

Child abuse physician Dr. Michael Sokoloff testified at sentencing about the extensive nature of the infant’s brain injury, which likely will cause significant developmental delay in addition to vision and hearing deficits.

Chief Criminal Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Laura McClinton recommended a 15-year prison sentence with parole eligibility after seven years.

District Judge Scott Wayman sentenced Olphie to a 10-year prison sentence with parole eligibility after three years.

“Prosecuting Attorney Stanley T. Mortensen thanks Laura McClinton for prosecuting the case and the Post Falls Police Department for investigating the case,” said the release.