Rape trial postponed

SANDPOINT — The trial of a Sagle man charged with rape is being postponed so the defense can conduct further investigation.

Dean Duane Stevens Jr.’s trial was set to begin this week in 1st District Court. It’s now been pushed back to December, court records show.

Chief Public Defender Isabella Robertson moved for the continuance in order to develop additional exculpatory information for the defense case.

Stevens, 39, is accused of luring a 16-year-old girl to a remote cabin in Samuels last year and raping her. The incident occurred on July 3, 2009.

Stevens allegedly convinced the teen, whom he had picked up at City Beach, to accompany him to the cabin to pose for nude photographs in exchange for $5,000. Once there, Stevens is accused of giving her methamphetamine, tying her up and raping her. The teen was also threatened with a pistol during the alleged assault.

Stevens was ordered to stand trial for rape, delivery of a controlled substance and kidnapping. He pleaded not guilty.

The kidnapping element of the state’s case has since been dropped, according to an amended criminal complaint. The rape and drug charges remain intact.

Stevens has been held on $500,000 bail while awaiting trial. He moved for the dismissal of Robertson as his defense counsel, but has since withdrawn the motion, court records show.