Man arrested in Philippines on Kootenai County rape charges

Authorities arrested a man this week who they said fled to the Philippines amid an investigation into allegations that he drugged and raped multiple people nearly a decade ago, according to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.

Michael T. Moore, 62, is charged with two counts of rape, two counts of delivery of a controlled substance and battery with intent to commit a serious felony. 

The charges stem from 2017, when the sheriff’s office investigated reports of sexual assaults that allegedly occurred in the unincorporated part of the county near Coeur d’Alene. 

Investigators said the reporting parties had responded to social media advertisements for work opportunities at Moore’s property. 

“The victims alleged they were drugged and sexually assaulted while at the property,” a news release said. 

Moore fled to the Philippines during the investigation, before prosecutors charged files, according to the sheriff’s office. 

The U.S. Marshals Service assisted with the investigation and coordinated with the Philippine government to find and arrest Moore. 

After his arrest in the Philippines, police said Moore was deported to the U.S., arrested and transported back to Kootenai County, where he remains in jail.