Cd’A man gets prison for sexual abuse

COEUR d’ALENE — A Coeur d’Alene man who pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a child will spend up to 25 years in prison.

Darrin W. Maynard, 58, pleaded guilty in October 2023 to sexual abuse of a child, a felony.

First District Judge Barry McHugh sentenced Maynard on Wednesday to 25 years in prison, the maximum possible sentence, with 15 years fixed. That means Maynard will be eligible for parole in 15 years, when he is 73 years old.

The charges stem from July 2023, when a girl reported that Maynard had molested her while she stayed over at his home. She told police Maynard he touched her inappropriately multiple times.

Maynard denied any inappropriate physical conduct when questioned by investigators. He also said he had been at work, away from the home, when the abuse occurred, according to court records. Other household members told police that wasn’t true.

Police initially cited Maynard with sexual battery, a misdemeanor, but upgraded charges after further investigation.

Maynard turned himself in. He has remained in jail since July 2023.

Prosecutors originally charged Maynard with three counts of sexual abuse and one count of lewd conduct with a minor under the age of 16, all felonies. In exchange for Maynard’s guilty plea, prosecutors agreed to dismiss the lewd conduct charge, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, as well as two of the three counts of sexual abuse.

In court Wednesday, the child’s grandmother asked for the maximum sentence to be imposed.

“It’s disgusting,” she said. “He’s done it more than once. Our children need to be safe.”

Prosecutors said Maynard took the girl in at a time when she was vulnerable, acted as a father figure to her and built trust with her before sexually abusing her.

This is not the first time Maynard faced charges of sexually abusing a minor.

In 2012, Maynard and his wife, Tomi, were accused of sexually assaulting a teen girl. The couple ultimately pleaded guilty to the amended charges of felony injury to a child.

They were both sentenced in 2013 to eight years in prison, those sentences being suspended. They both served 60 days in jail and were placed on supervised probation for five years.

Prosecutors said Maynard groomed the victims in both cases similarly. Despite completing probation and sex offender treatment after the 2013 case, prosecutors said Maynard’s behavior “escalated.”

Prosecuting attorney Molly Nivison said the abuse had a deep and lasting impact on the victim.

“She may heal, but she will never forget and will forever have a scar,” Nivison said.

Before receiving his sentence, Maynard apologized to his victim, as well as the victim’s family, his own family and his church community.

McHugh said Maynard’s remorse for his actions doesn’t mitigate the harm he did or the risk he poses to the public. He also said the pattern of behavior Maynard has exhibited suggests he may reoffend.

“We’ve seen the impact on the victim and the family,” McHugh said. “It is signifiant and likely to be lifelong. We can’t minimize the damage that has been done and what will continue for years and years. It is a very serious case.”

McHugh also imposed a 25-year no-contact order between Maynard and the victim.

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.