Rathdrum man charged with 2002 kidnapping, child rape

Local police and U.S. Marshals arrested a Rathdrum man Thursday on charges related to the 2002 kidnapping and rape of a child in Oakley, Calif.

A California court issued a warrant Wednesday for the arrest of Eric J. Ferguson, 49, according to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office. He faces charges of rape of an incompetent person, forcible oral copulation and kidnapping for rape.

The joint Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office and Coeur d’Alene Police Department SWAT team assisted the U.S. Marshals Service in the arrest around 4:50 p.m. Thursday.

“Kootenai County is a safer place because Ferguson is now in jail,” Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said in a news release. “A firearm was used in this alleged violent sexual attack and the suspect needs to be held accountable for his actions.”

Bret Bunn, U.S. Marshal for the District of Idaho, praised the sheriff’s office, Coeur d’Alene police and the Idaho Department of Correction for their partnership, as well as Oakley Police Department detectives for their persistence in investigating the case.

Ferguson remains in the Kootenai County jail, pending extradition.