COEUR d’ALENE – A man from St. Maris, who admitted raping the teenager, now faces additional charges for allegedly raping another girl.
Jonathan R. Cummins, 22, pleaded guilty in Kootenai County Superior Court last week to rape, which carries a sentence of up to life in prison.
The allegations stem from July, when a 16-year-old girl reported to police that Cummins raped her after giving her alcohol. Witnesses told police they entered the teen’s bedroom, naked, Cummins, and when they learned he was 22, they told him to leave.
In exchange for Cummins’ guilty plea, prosecutors agreed to dismiss the charge of sexual battery of a minor and recommended that the court retain jurisdiction over Cummins until a guilty verdict is reached.
If the court retains jurisdiction over Cummins, he will be placed in a prison treatment program, called Rider, for up to one year before the judge decides to place him on probation or send him back to prison.
In Benewah County, in a separate case, Cummins faces two counts of rape, as well as sexual abuse of a child under 16, Internet luring of children and criminal administration of drugs, all felonies. He is also accused of dispensing minors, which is a misdemeanor.
While police were investigating the Kootenai County case, another 16-year-old girl testified that Cummins “had sex with her” twice in June, after providing her with alcohol and while she was “extremely intoxicated,” court records show. .
In Idaho, a 16- or 17-year-old cannot consent to sex with someone more than three years older.
The teen told police that Cummins told her he loved her and wanted to be in a relationship with her. She said she did not want to date Cummins, but he repeatedly pressured her, making her feel uncomfortable.
She also said Cummins purchased alcohol and e-cigarettes for minors in Benewah County and attempted to engage in sexual relationships with other minors. Court records show that in July, police received a report that Cummins had contacted a 13-year-old girl via Snapchat and was attempting to persuade her to engage in a sex act.
When questioned by police after his arrest in Kootenai County, Cummins allegedly admitted to giving the Benewah County teenager alcohol twice and “having sex with her.”
In a statement filed in court, the Benewah County sheriff’s deputy who interviewed Cummins said Cummins “engaged in child grooming behavior to gain favor during sexual acts” and shirked responsibility for his actions.
Cummins is scheduled to be sentenced in December in Kootenai County.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual abuse, please contact Safe Passage 24/7 by calling 208-664-9303 or texting 208-449-7228 .