Rape suspect waives hearing

SANDPOINT - A Sandpoint teen accused of raping another teen last month waived his right Wednesday to a preliminary hearing in 1st District Court.

In exchange for the waiver, Jesse Diego Thomas' bail was reduced from $100,000 to $25,000, court records show. There is also a plea deal pending in the case.

Thomas, 18, is accused of forcibly raping a 14-year-old girl at his Ella Street home on Oct. 23, charging papers said. Thomas, according to a statements she gave to Sandpoint Police, pulled the teen into his bedroom, locked the door and proceeded to force himself on her.

The alleged victim told a detective she tried to fend off the assault, but Thomas pinned her down, court records indicate.

The defendant's former girlfriend was in the trailer home at the time and heard the victim saying "no." She allegedly warned her that if she went to police, she would be beaten up for being an informant, Det. Chris Higbee told a judge when the charge was sought.

The victim's underwear, including stained underwear, were taken as evidence. A DNA sample has also been obtained from the defendant.

The terms of the plea agreement were not disclosed, although court records indicate the deal remains on the table until his arraignment on Dec. 15 or the results of the DNA analysis return, whichever is later.