Teen pleads to reduced charge

SANDPOINT — A former Bonner County resident accused of sexually assaulting a preteen girl pleaded guilty to a vastly reduced charge of disturbing the peace, court records indicate.

Judge Justin Julian sentenced Kai Richard Leach to 90 days in jail with 85 days suspended and the balance of the term converted to 40 hours on the sheriff’s labor program. Leach was also fined $300.

Leach, an 18-year-old who lives in Woodland, Wash., was originally charged with aggravated assault after he allegedly fondled the girl and “forced” her to kiss him, according to an Idaho State Police report. The incident occurred on a Schweitzer Mountain shuttle bus on Jan. 21.

David Dean Combs Jr. was identified in an ISP report as Leach’s accomplice, although no charges were ever filed against him in connection with the incident, according to the Idaho Supreme Court data repository.