Washington man is accused of lewd conduct

SANDPOINT — A Washington state man is facing lewd conduct charges in Bonner County, court records show.

Darren John Stanley made an initial appearance in Bonner County Magistrate Court on Tuesday via video feed from the Bonner County Jail.

Stanley, a 32-year-old from Newport, is accused of engaging in lewd conduct with an 11-year-old on March 2. He’s further accused of engaging in lewd conduct with a 6-year-old between March 2019 and March 5.

A probable cause affidavit detailing the allegations was sealed. Bonner County Senior Deputy Prosecutor Dan Rodriguez said additional victims in the case may emerge. He requested bail be set at $100,000.

Bonner County Deputy Public Defender Donald Terry argued for a reduced bail because Stanley is indigent, court records indicate.

Judge Lori Meulenberg set bail at $50,000 because of the nature of the allegations, his out-of-state residency and the prospect of additional charges, according to court records. She appointed a public defender to represent him and entered an order forbidding him from contacting the alleged victims.

Lewd conduct is punishable by up to life in prison. The state is also considering filing a persistent violator charging enhancement, which could add five years to life in prison to underlying sentences if Stanley is convicted.

A preliminary hearing in the case is set for March 25.

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