Montana man charged with sexual abuse

COEUR d’ALENE — A Montana man is in jail after police said he sexually abused a local teen girl.

Michael A. Chase, 35, of Libby, Mont., is charged with sexual abuse of a child and lewd conduct with a minor under the age of 16, both felonies.

Police launched an investigation in early October after a teen girl reported that Chase had touched her inappropriately on multiple occasions, according to court records. The girl told police the abuse occurred in Kootenai County earlier this year and described several specific incidents.

In a recorded phone call shared with police, Chase allegedly acknowledged the abuse, though he said his memory was unclear, and said he would seek counseling.

When interviewed by detectives with the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, Chase said he had touched the girl inappropriately on multiple occasions, according to court records.

Police obtained an arrest warrant and took Chase into custody Wednesday night.

Judge Robert Caldwell ordered Thursday that Chase be held on $50,000 bail.

In Idaho, sexual abuse of a child is punishable by up to 25 years in prison. Lewd conduct with a minor under the age of 16 carries a maximum punishment of life in prison.

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