Suspect pleads to reduced charge

SANDPOINT — A Ponderay man accused of forcibly raping a woman last summer pleaded Thursday to a reduced charge of aggravated battery.

Wiley Louis Lutkins entered an Alford plea, which means he takes no moral responsibility for the crime, but agrees he could be convicted of the offense if it were tried by a jury.

“I am afraid that, based on the circumstantial evidence, that I could be found guilty if taken to trial,” Lutkins said in his written plea.

Lutkins faces up to 15 years in prison when he’s sentenced on May 20 in 1st District Court. Lutkins remains jailed in lieu of $63,000 bail.

The state is recommending a two- to 10-year prison term, while the defense is free to argue for retained jurisdiction or probation.

Under retained jurisdiction, also known as a rider, a defendant serves up to a year in state prison before a decision is made to further incarcerate the person or put them on probation.

Neither of the sentencing recommendations, however, are binding upon the court.

Lutkins, 26, is accused of raping the woman at a Ponderay trailer park in June of last year.

The alleged victim testified a probable cause hearing that she was visiting friends and an intoxicated Lutkins became injured while roughhousing with another person in the home.

The woman told the court that she helped Lutkins to the bathroom to get him cleaned up. Lutkins then allegedly punched the woman in the face and sexually assaulted her. The woman said she tried to fend off attack, but she was overpowered by Lutkins.