Man accused of rape, lewd conduct

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County man has been arrested on rape and lewd conduct charges for allegedly molesting a minor in 2011.

Bronson Daniel Driggs made an initial appearance in Bonner County Magistrate Court on Monday, although court minutes were not immediately available. A preliminary hearing in the case is pending.

Driggs is accused of raping the boy and engaging in lewd conduct on separate occasions in 2011. The boy disclosed the abuse after suffering flashbacks and nightmares, according to court documents.

The boy told investigators that he was hogtied and kept confined a cell for months in a western Bonner County home. He told investigators he was gagged and his mouth was duct-taped shut.

The alleged victim said he was groomed as sexual abuse victim in Sandpoint before moving to an unincorporated area in the county, according to court documents.

Driggs allegedly threatened the boy with physical harm if he reported the abuse, court documents indicate.

A preliminary hearing in the case is set for Wednesday.