Hayden woman charged with rape

COEUR d’ALENE — Police arrested a Hayden woman who they said groomed and raped a teen boy.

Renee N. Leake, 24, of Hayden, is charged with three counts of rape and one count of sexual battery of a minor, all felonies.

Idaho law defines rape, in part, as penetration where the victim is 16 or 17 years old, the perpetrator is three or more years older and the two are not lawfully married.

Rathdrum police began an investigation this month after the parent of a 16-year-old boy reported that Leake had allegedly sexually assaulted the teen.

Police report the teen told them he met Leake through a friend several months ago. The two began communicating via text message and spending time together alone, according to court documents, with Leake inviting the teen to go swimming, watch movies and do other activities.

Leake allegedly flirted with the teen and expressed that she wanted them to have a sexual relationship. The teen told investigators he didn’t want such a relationship but Leake manipulated his emotions and coerced him into sexual activity.

Police said Leake raped the teen on three occasions.

Investigators reviewed numerous romantic and sexual text messages exchanged between Leake and the teen, who said he saved the messages in the hopes that someone would discover them and help him.

When interviewed by police, Leake said the teen was “like a son to her” and admitted to having what she described as consensual sex with him.

In Idaho, a 16-year-old cannot consent to sex with someone three or more years older.

Police arrested Leake on Thursday.

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