Man jailed for assault of sleeping woman

COEUR d’ALENE — A man who pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a sleeping woman is in jail while he waits to be sentenced.

Walter W. A. Bell, 42, of Coeur d’Alene, pleaded guilty in accordance with Alford to aggravated battery, a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison. He also pleaded guilty to sexual battery, a misdemeanor. 

By entering an Alford plea, Bell did not admit guilt but acknowledged there is enough evidence to convict him at trial. 

The charges stem from May, when a woman who had been staying with Bell reported an assault. She said she had gone to bed after drinking some NyQuil that Bell had offered her, then woke in the early hours of the morning to Bell sexually assaulting her. 

Court records indicate Bell admitted to assaulting the woman in Facebook messages, which were later reviewed by law enforcement. 

When interviewed by police, Bell confirmed that he had assaulted the woman and acknowledged “his actions were wrong,” according to court records. 

Bell was arrested and charged with forcible sexual penetration by foreign object, a felony punishable by up to life in prison. He later posted $25,000 bail. 

In exchange for Bell’s guilty pleas, prosecutors amended the charges to aggravated assault and sexual battery and allowed Bell to enter an Alford plea for the assault charge. 

Bell was scheduled to be sentenced Tuesday. However, because his presentence evaluation was not yet complete, the hearing was pushed back to Sept. 25. 

In the meantime, First District Judge John Mitchell ordered that Bell be taken into custody and held without bond. Mitchell indicated that he expects to sentence Bell to time in jail or prison. 

“I don’t see this as a probation case,” Mitchell said in court Tuesday. 

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.