Man gets prison for lewd conduct, child sexual abuse

COEUR d’ALENE — A man who prosecutors said raped a teen girl will spend up to 25 years in prison.

Jared R. Vansickle, 44, pleaded guilty in December to lewd conduct with a child under the age of 16 and to child sexual abuse by soliciting a minor under 16 years of age to participate in a sexual act, both felonies. 

First District Judge Ross Pittman sentenced Vansickle on Monday to 25 years in prison with parole eligibility after 10 years. Pittman also imposed a 25-year no contact order that forbids Vansickle from having any contact with the victim in the case. 

The charges stem from last year, when prosecutors said Vansickle reconnected with an old acquaintance and subsequently became close to the acquaintance’s teen daughter, bonding with her over a shared hobby. 

“There was active grooming behavior that led up to him victimizing (the teen),” prosecuting attorney Laura McClinton said. 

In June 2024, prosecutors said, Vansickle brought the girl to a remote location and raped her. After the assault, a sexual assault nurse examiner collected DNA evidence from the teen’s body that matched Vansickle. 

A grand jury indicted Vansickle on the charges in July 2024. 

Before Vansickle received his sentence, the teen’s mother addressed the court. She described the pain and humiliation her daughter has endured because of Vansickle’s abuse. 

The teen remains deeply affected by her experiences, though her mother said “this atrocity did not destroy” her. 

“My daughter is nothing short of a hero,” she told the court. “The strength and resilience it must take not only to open up about but also stand up for yourself after the most dehumanizing thing has been done to you is beyond comprehension.” 

Vansickle told the court he doesn’t remember the incident due to a traumatic brain injury he sustained as a child that affects his memory. 

“I don’t remember specifics, but looking at everything, I know something happened and I know I did something bad,” he said. 

Vansickle apologized to the teen and her family. 

“You gave me your kindness and your friendship and your trust, and I threw it all away,” he said. 

After handing down the sentence, Pittman emphasized the harm that Vansickle’s actions caused to the teen. 

“The harm that you caused this young lady can’t be quantified, can’t be overstated, can’t be fixed by this court,” he said to Vansickle. “That’s harm she’s going to have to live with and she’s going to have to heal.” 

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual abuse, call Safe Passage Violence Prevention Center’s 24-hour helpline: 208-664-9303.