Man sentenced in rape, burglary cases

BONNERS FERRY — A Boundary County man was sentenced Thursday to six months retained jurisdiction at North Idaho Correctional Institution in Cottonwood for a burglary and rape early last year. 

Edward Perez, 19,  admitted to helping rob a man at his Moyie Springs home on Jan. 7, 2009. While out on bond for the robbery,  Perez was accused of having sex with a 13-year-old girl on April 2. Perez also admitted to the charge of rape for the incident.

1st District Judge Steve Verby imposed a seven-year suspended prison term with Perez required to serve a minimum of four years.

With the retained jurisdiction sentence, Perez is given the chance to attend programs and counseling. He will go before a judge after six months at which time the judge will review his performance while in custody. At the hearing, Perez could be released on probation or, if he does not show progress, the judge can impose the suspended prison sentence.

Perez’s older brother, friends of the family and mother, Kimberly Studer, testified that Perez has a big heart and had a difficult childhood.

“I have four boys, and he (Perez) has always been very respectful, loving and considerate,” Studer said. 

The rape victim was not in court nor were any of her family members. Instead, she provided a written statement to the court and Verby read a small portion before handing down sentence.

“I always thought of Ed like an older brother and could talk to him easily, now I am resented by a lot of people because of him (Perez), the victim wrote. “I didn’t think alcohol should be used as an excuse for his actions.”