Spirit Lake man held on $500,000 bail

SANDPOINT — A Spirit Lake man arrested Aug. 5 is scheduled for a preliminary hearing next week on severe allegations of sexual abuse of two children.  

Clarence Nanney, 74, is charged with five counts of lewd conduct with a minor under 16 and one count of child sexual abuse with a minor, all felonies. He faces up to life in prison if found guilty of the accusations.  

Due to the severity of the allegations, details on the case are sealed. Documents contend that the abuse occurred between 2022 and 2023 and that there are two victims in the case, both of whom were between the ages of 14 and 15. 

Nanney remains in jail on $500,000 bail. At his preliminary hearing Wednesday, he is expected to ask for a bond reduction. At a preliminary hearing, the court will determine if there’s sufficient evidence to charge Nanney with the felonies.