Appeals court upholds sentence

SANDPOINT — The Idaho Court of Appeals is affirming the sentence imposed against a Bonner County man who serving up to 20 years in prison for lewd and lascivious conduct with a minor.

Wade Alexzander Best was charged with the felony last year, following investigations by the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare and the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office, court records show.

The eight-year-old victim in the case said Best disrobed himself and her in March 19 and slept in a bed with her, according to court records. The alleged victim and her mother participated in a confrontation call, in which authorities attempt to record incriminating statements which can be used against a suspect, and Best allegedly expressed regret for his conduct and said it won’t happen again. Best further admitted that his genitals touched the girl and said he had engaged in similar conduct with another girl, court records indicate.

Best, 47, entered an Alford plea to the lewd conduct charge. Under the terms of the plea, Best admitted no culpability for the offense but conceded that he could be convicted if his case went before a jury.

In exchange for the plea, the state agreed not to pursue any additional charges against Best, court records indicate.

First District Judge Barbara ordered Best to serve up to 20 years in prison, the first 10 years of which are fixed.

Best argued on appeal that the sentence was excessive, although the appellate court disagreed in an unpublished opinion released on July 16. The appeals court ruled that the sentence was in keeping with sentencing standards.

“Applying these standards, and having reviewed the record in this case, we cannot say that the district court abused its discretion,” Chief Judge Molly Huskey and judges Jessica Lorello and Amanda Brailsford said in the opinion.

Best is being held at the Bonner County Jail, according to the Idaho Department of Correction’s website. He becomes eligible for parole in 2029, IDOC said.

Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.