L&L suspects waive hearings

SANDPOINT — Two men charged separately with lewd and lascivious conduct with minors waived their right Wednesday to preliminary hearings.

Daniel Curtis LaBelle and Vance Michael Atteberry are scheduled to be arraigned in 1st District Court on Jan. 18. The waivers amount to tacit agreement that the state possesses enough evidence to warrant trials in their respective cases.

LaBelle, a 27-year-old from Noxon, Mont., is accused of molesting a 7-year-old girl in Bonner County in October and November. LaBelle recently underwent an evaluation after questions about his ability to assist in his own defense because of a mental health condition.

LaBelle was deemed fit to proceed, according to court documents. He was being held at the Bonner County Jail with his bail set at $50,000.

Atteberry, a 19-year-old from Priest River, is charged with molesting 12-year-old girl in western Bonner County last summer. He is free on his own recognizance while the case is pending.

If LaBelle and Atteberry are convicted as charged, they could face lifelong prison sentences.