Hearing in sex battery postponed

SANDPOINT — A preliminary hearing was postponed Wednesday for a Bonners Ferry man accused of sexually abusing a Sandpoint teenager.

Elroy Joseph Crum was released on his own recognizance after he agreed not a challenge extradition if he flees the area. The hearing was postponed for additional defense investigation.

A new hearing date is pending. Crum is charged with sexual battery of minor between the ages of 16 and 17.

Crum, 58, denied the allegations against him when he was questioned by Sandpoint Police, court record show.

The girl told investigators Crum fondled her breasts and genitals in July and allegedly proposed a sexual act, a probable cause affidavit said.

Crum was being held in lieu of $40,000 bail. A court order forbidding him from contacting the alleged victim remains in place.