Lewiston man charged with sexual abuse of a child
Torin Powell, 19, accused of incident at his apartment with 14-year-old girl
A 19-year-old Lewiston man faces charges of sexual abuse of a child for an alleged incident with a 14-year-old girl.
Lewiston police received a report of a sex offense Monday in which parents of the victim found out she had allegedly stayed overnight with Torin W.W. Powell. The parents picked up the victim, who was allegedly intoxicated, and Powell was allegedly told at that time she was 14 years old, according to the probable cause affidavit.
Police also talked with the victim, who said she and Powell had contacted each other on Snapchat but hadn’t met in person. She told police she was allegedly drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana with a vape pen.
The victim said that later they allegedly kissed several times but they were not sexually active, but the action left a mark on her chest, according to the affidavit. According to Idaho code, sexual conduct includes any touching of the breasts for sexual stimulation or gratification.
In talking with police, the victim allegedly said she had misrepresented her age to Powell. But the officer noted that she appeared to be under the age of 18 in terms of her build, mannerisms and speech, according to the affidavit.
Police located Powell on Tuesday and requested to speak with an attorney. Police then placed Powell under arrest for sexual abuse of a child under 16. The arrest was based on the allegations that the victim was a minor and Powell was over the age of 18.
The victim was found at Powell’s apartment intoxicated. The victim and Powell kissed and the investigating detective believed that “it is more likely than not that Powell had sexual contact with a minor child, not amounting to lewd conduct,” according to the affidavit.
Powell faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison as well as a $50,000 fine.
Powell appeared by Zoom before Magistrate Judge Kent Merica on Wednesday at the Nez Perce County Courthouse. Nez Perce County Deputy Prosecutor Nathan Rupp asked Merica for a $50,000 bond, citing the nature of the charge.
Powell’s attorney for the hearing, Payton Lawrence, argued for him to be released without bond or have bond at $5,000, noting that he had no criminal history. Merica set his bond at $20,000.
Merica also appointed the law office of Magyar and Rauch as public defender. Powell’s next court appearance is March 11.
