Task force seeks fugitive

SANDPOINT — A Sagle man accused of going on the lam on the eve of his trial on a molestation charge is the North Idaho Violent Crimes Task Force’s Fugitive of the Week.

Stephen Robert Reiling was last seen by authorities at a pretrial conference on June 7, but he failed to appear for his trial on June 11. His absence triggered a $250,000 bench warrant for his arrest.

Reiling is charged with lewd and lascivious conduct with a minor.

Reiling, 54, is a Caucasian male. He’s 6 feet, 2 inches tall and weighs 255 pounds. He has graying blond hair and blue eyes.

The task force, which is comprised of local, state and federal law enforcement officials, said Reiling’s last-known whereabouts were in the Sagle area.

Friends, meanwhile, are coming to Reiling’s defense. They said the allegations do not square with the man they know.

“Everyone who knows him can’t believe he’s guilty of what he’s been charged with,” said a Bonner County man who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Reiling is accused of molesting a girl in 2003, when she was about 8 years old.

Reiling pleaded not guilty to the charge and was free on $50,000 bond while the case was pending.

The friend said Reiling has a distrust of government and organized religion. He has also been vocal about those beliefs.

“He was concerned that they’re out to get him and he could not get a fair trial,” said the friend.

Moreover, the friend suspects the alleged victim fabricated the allegations to account for her behavioral problems. He added that Reiling was also involved in a civil dispute with alleged victim’s stepfather in which threats against him were allegedly made.

Reiling is described in court documents as well educated, read and traveled. Reiling reportedly knows how to live off the grid and his U.S. Air Force background has imparted survivalist training.

“I have no idea where he is and I don’t want to know where he is,” said the friend.

In other developments in the case, Reiling’s Coeur d’Alene defense attorney was allowed Thursday to withdraw from the case. Frederick Loats moved to withdraw as Reiling’s counsel because he is no longer in contact with his client and can no longer effectively represent him.

First District Judge Steve Verby granted the motion following a brief hearing, court records indicate.

Those with information about Reiling’s whereabouts are urged to call the task force at (208) 665-4455. The identity of callers will remain confidential and reward money is available, the task force said.