Suspect in sex battery enters plea

SANDPOINT — A Bonners Ferry man accused of sexually abusing a Sandpoint teen pleaded not guilty on Monday.

Elroy Joseph Crum’s plea clears the way for a three-day jury trial in 1st District Court. The proceedings are set to begin on Dec. 9.

Crum is free on his own recognizance while the case is pending. If convicted of sexual battery of a minor between the ages of 16-17, he faces a lifelong prison sentence.

Crum, 58, is accused of touching the girl’s genitalia and attempting to coax her into a bedroom last summer. The alleged victim testified at a preliminary hearing earlier this month that she attempted unsuccessfully to fend off Crum’s advances.

The alleged victim’s father testified during the Oct. 9 hearing that his daughter had a history of making false allegations, including claims against him. Magistrate Court Judge Quentin Harden, however, found there was sufficient evidence to justify trying Crum.