Bonner County man facing lewd conduct charge

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County man has been arrested on lewd conduct charges.

Charles Keith Tallman made an initial appearance in Bonner County Magistrate Court on Monday. Judge Lori Meulenberg ordered Tallman held in lieu of $25,000 bail and appointed a public defender to represent him, court records show.

Tallman, 67, is accused of fondling the genitalia of an 8-year-old girl on April 3, according to a criminal complaint.

Tallman allegedly touched the girl as he drove her to a Ponderay store and warned her not to tell anyone because he it could land him in prison, a probable cause affidavit said,

Tallman denied the misconduct when he was confronted with the allegations, the affidavit said. He accused the girl of behaving inappropriately with him and said adults coached her allegations.

A preliminary hearing in the case is pending.