Coeur d'Alene man charged with child sexual exploitation

COEUR d’ALENE — Police arrested a man who allegedly used a hidden camera to film a teen in the bathroom.

Jason W. Kimmel, 52, of Coeur d’Alene, is charged with sexual exploitation of a child by producing or promoting sexually exploitative material, as well as with attempted sexual exploitation of a child by the same means, both felonies. 

The charges stem from Nov. 29, when a teen girl reported to police that she had discovered a recording device in a bathroom in Kimmel’s home. 

The teen said Kimmel had advised her to bathe in a specific bathroom in his Coeur d’Alene home, according to court records, but before she did so, she noticed him placing an item on the windowsill in the bathroom. The item turned out to be a recording device that looked like a pen, police said. 

A memory card inside the recording device contained footage that showed Kimmel placing it in a bathroom, followed by footage of the teen showering, according to court records. 

Kimmel contacted police Tuesday and said he would turn himself in, court records said. He was booked into the Kootenai County jail Tuesday night. 

In Idaho, sexual exploitation of a child by producing or promoting sexually exploitative material is punishable by up to 30 years in prison. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual abuse, reach Safe Passage 24/7 by calling 208-664-9303 or texting 208-449-7228.