Man gets prison for rape of teen

COEUR d’ALENE — A man convicted of raping a teen girl will spend up to 25 years in prison.

After a two-day trial in August, a jury convicted Joshua A. Nikoley, 36, of two counts of rape and two counts of sexual battery of a minor, all felonies punishable by up to life in prison. 

First District Judge Lansing Haynes sentenced Nikoley this week to 25 years in prison, with parole eligibility after five years. 

The charges stem from 2022, when Nikoley, aged 33 or 34 at the time, had a sexual relationship with a girl who was between the ages of 16 and 17, according to the Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. In Idaho, a person aged 16 or 17 cannot consent to sex with a person more than three years older. 

In court Tuesday, Nikoley maintained that he did not have a sexual relationship with the teen. Haynes rejected this reasoning and emphasized that Nikoley victimized and harmed the teen and her family. 

“The evidence the court and the jury heard is just alarming,” Haynes said before handing down the sentence. “I deal with your guilt as a fact based on the verdict.” 

Nikoley has prior convictions for possession of a controlled substance, theft, reckless driving, exhibition of a deadly weapon and prohibited possession of ammunition, prosecutors said. At the time he sexually abused the teen, he was on probation for a 2021 conviction for possession of a controlled substance. 

Haynes said he allowed for parole eligibility after five years “because there is always hope for recovery” and rehabilitation, depending on Nikoley’s choices in prison and how he engages with sex offender treatment. 

“It gives (the parole board) the ability to keep you a long time if you don’t conduct yourself in prison correctly,” he told Nikoley. “If you can conduct yourself correctly, you can get out before your 70s.” 

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.