Suspect identified, arrested in child enticement investigation

An arrest has been made following an investigation into a sex offense involving a transient male and a young boy in Coeur d'Alene.

Detectives with the Coeur d'Alene Police Department were able to quickly identify the suspect as 41-year-old Zachary J. Destephano of Coeur d'Alene after seeking the public's help. Destephano was interviewed and subsequently arrested for one count of sexual abuse of a minor under 16. 

According to Wednesday's initial press release, an 11-year-old boy told police he boarded the Citylink bus Monday and was followed by an older transient male who sat near him, who has been identified as Destephano. 

"The transient male continuously glanced at the boy, making him very uncomfortable," the release said. "The boy got off the bus at the Riverstone station and was followed by the transient male."

While sitting inside the bus station, Destephano sat next to the boy and typed a message on his phone indicating he wanted the boy to engage in a sex act and showed it to the boy, the release said.

"Alarmed, the boy immediately got the attention of the attendant, and the transient male quickly fled the station," the release said. 

In an updated version of the release, CDAPD said they "would like to thank everyone who provided information that helped identify and locate this offender." CDAPD also emphasized the importance of parents engaging with their children about personal safety. 

Anyone with information about other sexual related crimes involving Destephano is asked to contact CDAPD.