Man gets prison for stalking, aggravated assault

COEUR d'ALENE — A man who pleaded guilty to stalking and attacking an ex will spend up to 20 years in prison.

Levi G. Lotero, 32, pleaded guilty to the felony offenses of stalking, aggravated assault and domestic battery in the presence of a child, as well as two misdemeanor counts of violating a no-contact order. 

First District Judge John Cafferty sentenced Lotero on Thursday to 20 years in prison, the maximum possible penalty under a plea agreement reached by prosecutors and defense counsel, with parole eligibility after five years. 

The charges stem from what Cafferty described as a "crime binge" that occurred earlier this year, after Lotero's long-term relationship ended. 

After learning his ex was seeing someone new, prosecutors said Lotero entered her Coeur d'Alene home through a window and attacked her and her new partner with a knife before fleeing the scene. 

"He held a knife to her throat," Cafferty said before handing down the sentence. "People die from that. The fact that he can't remember what happened because he was too drunk or stoned doesn't play well with the court." 

Ryan Hunter, chief deputy city attorney for Coeur d'Alene, described another incident in which Lotero slammed his ex's arm in a door and hit her in front of "terrified" children. 

Hunter said Lotero exhibited "deeply concerning controlling, manipulative, vindictive" behavior. 

After Lotero's arrest, prosecutors said he reached out to his ex 72 times from jail. Though he initially faced 72 counts of violating a no-contact order, county prosecutors dismissed all but two counts as part of a plea deal. 

Carl Sergeant, an attorney representing Lotero, said his client developed an "almost irrational need to control" others because of his many responsibilities. Sergeant said that need for control, combined with substance abuse problems, set off the chain of events that resulted in criminal charges. 

Since posting bond in June, defense counsel said Lotero has submitted to treatment for domestic violence and substance abuse. 

Before receiving his sentence, Lotero told the court he was "extremely remorseful" for his actions and has taken "full accountability." 

"I'm looking in the mirror," he said. "Instead of trying to correct everyone around me, I need to correct this person inside." 

Cafferty said Lotero's words rang hollow. 

“I don’t have a firm belief in real accountability,” Cafferty said. “I still see victim blaming.” 

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.