St. Maries man pleads guilty to rape, faces more charges
COEUR d’ALENE — A St. Maries man who pleaded guilty to raping a teen girl now faces additional charges for allegedly raping a different girl.
Jonathan R. Cummins, 22, pleaded guilty last week in a Kootenai County court to rape, a felony punishable by up to life in prison.
The charges stem from July, when a 16-year-old girl reported to police that Cummins raped her after providing her with alcohol. Witnesses told police they walked in on an unclothed Cummins in the teen’s bedroom and, upon learning he was 22 years old, told him to leave.
In exchange for Cummins’ guilty plea, prosecutors agreed to dismiss a felony charge of sexual battery of a minor and recommended that the court retain jurisdiction over Cummins when it’s time for him to be sentenced.
If the court retains jurisdiction over Cummins, he would enter a prison treatment program, called a rider, for up to one year before the judge decides to place him on probation or send him back to prison.
In Benewah County, in a separate matter, Cummins faces two counts of rape, as well as sexual abuse of a child under the age of 16, enticing children over the internet and felonious administration of drugs, all felonies. He is also charged with dispensing to minors, a misdemeanor.
While police were investigating the Kootenai County case, a different 16-year-old girl reported that Cummins “had sex with her” on two occasions in June, after providing her with alcohol and while she was “extremely intoxicated,” according to court records.
In Idaho, a person aged 16 or 17 cannot consent to sex with a person more than three years older.
The teen told police Cummins told her he loved her and wanted to be in a relationship with her. She said she didn’t want to date Cummins but he repeatedly pressured her, making her uncomfortable.
She also said Cummins had been buying alcohol and vape pens for minors in Benewah County and had attempted to begin sexual relationships with other minors. In July, police received a report that Cummins had contacted a 13-year-old girl on the messaging app Snapchat and tried to solicit her to participate in a sex act, according to court records.
When questioned by police after his arrest in Kootenai County, Cummins allegedly admitted to giving alcohol to the Benewah County teen and “having sex with her” on two occasions.
In an affidavit filed with the court, a Benewah County sheriff’s deputy who interviewed Cummins said Cummins “exhibited behaviors consistent with grooming children to gain favor for sexual acts” and deflected responsibility for his actions.
Cummins is scheduled to be sentenced in Kootenai County in December.
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.