Man gets prison for sexual relationship with minor

COEUR d’ALENE — A man received a prison sentence for a sexual relationship with a minor.

Joshua A. Ash, 29, of Coeur d’Alene, pleaded guilty in April to injury to a child, a felony and to disseminating material harmful to minors, a misdemeanor.

Judge Scott Wayman sentenced Ash on Thursday to eight years in prison, with two years fixed, six years indeterminate and six months credit for time served. That means Ash will be eligible for parole in about 18 months.

The charges stem from January, when a probation officer searching Ash’s residence discovered a 15-year-old girl hiding in his bedroom closet.

Displayed in the bedroom was a collage of photos featuring Ash and the teen, police said. She told investigators that she had known Ash for about two years and they had a sexual relationship.

Prosecutors said Ash met the teen through Good Samaritan Rehabilitation, a faith-based drug and alcohol program closely affiliated with The Altar Church in Coeur d’Alene. The two reportedly got to know each other through the rehab program and through church activities. The teen had lived with Ash since November 2022, according to court records.

Investigators obtained a warrant to search the teen’s phone, on which they found 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 an evening church service, court documents said, but officers found him in the church parking lot instead. When questioned about his relationship with the teen, Ash maintained that they were friends.

Police arrested Ash in the parking lot. He initially faced charges of rape and sexual abuse of a child under the age of 16, both felonies. Prosecutors agreed to amend the charges to lesser offenses in exchange for Ash’s guilty plea.

In court Thursday, prosecutors called the circumstances “atrocious” and said Ash preyed on a vulnerable girl who was struggling with substance use problems.

Ash’s attorney, John Redal, told the court Ash had a “consensual” relationship with the teen.

Ash said he’s ashamed of his actions. He apologized in court to the teen and her family.

“I caused a lot of harm,” he said. “My heart grieves because of it.”

Before handing down the sentence, Wayman emphasized that a 15-year-old cannot consent to a sexual relationship with an adult and noted that Ash knew the girl’s age.

“There needs to be a line that adults should not cross,” Wayman said. “You took advantage of her when she was at her most vulnerable.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual abuse, call Safe Passage’s 24-hour hotline: 208-664-9303