Cd’A man charged with rape, sexual abuse

COEUR d’ALENE — Joshua A. Ash, 28, of Coeur d'Alene, is in jail on $100,000 bail after he allegedly raped a minor.

Ash is charged with rape and sexual abuse of a child under the age of 16, both felonies.

Idaho law defines rape, in part, as penetration where the victim is under the age of 16, the perpetrator is 18 or older and the two are not lawfully married.

Coeur d’Alene police began an investigation last week after a probation officer discovered a 15-year-old girl hiding in Ash’s bedroom closet, according to court documents.

Displayed in the bedroom was a collage of photos featuring Ash and the teen, police said.

The teen told investigators that she met Ash around two years ago and they went through a substance abuse treatment program together through The Altar church in Coeur d’Alene. She said they had a sexual relationship.

While police were interviewing the teen, Ash reportedly sent her a text message that said, “I love you.”

Investigators obtained a warrant to search the teen’s phone, on which they found numerous photos and videos depicting sexual contact between Ash and the teen, as well as romantic text messages.

Ash agreed to meet with police at his home after a Monday night church service, court documents said, but officers located him in the church parking lot instead, where they questioned him about his relationship with the teen.

Ash maintained that he was friends with the teen, who he said had been living with him since Thanksgiving, according to court records.

Police arrested Ash in the parking lot.

Judge Destry Randles ordered Tuesday that Ash be held on $100,000 bail.

In Idaho, rape is punishable by up to life in prison.