Man enters Alford plea on child sex abuse case

SANDPOINT — A man accused of sexually abusing a minor has entered an Alford plea Tuesday, April 8. 

Michael J. Tifft, 32, was charged with two counts of lewd conduct with a minor under the age of 16, to wit the age of five, for an abuse incident that occurred sometime between April 22, 2019, and April 21, 2020, in Oldtown.  

Tifft appeared in person to the hearing, where he entered an Alford plea to one count of lewd conduct with a minor. As part of a pretrial settlement agreement, the second count of lewd conduct was dismissed on motion of the prosecutor. 

Under an Alford plea, a defendant admits no wrongdoing but concedes that a guilty verdict could result following a trial. The plea is treated no differently at sentencing than a standard guilty plea.  

A criminal complaint indicates that count one of lewd conduct with a minor was charged based on an allegation that Tifft engaged in oral to genital contact with the victim. Count two, which was dismissed as part of the plea deal, alleged that penetration took place.  

According to a probable cause affidavit, Bonner County officials became aware of the abuse as a result of a 911 call received in April 2024.  

Court documents indicate that the victim experienced one instance of abuse within the 2019-2020 timeline. According to a probable cause affidavit, the victim was woken up in the middle of the night by Tifft as he was sexually abusing the child.  

As part of the plea deal, Tifft could face up to 30 years in prison. 

Tifft will be sentenced July 21.  

If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual abuse, call Victim Advocate Services Team’s 24-hour helpline: 208-263-1602.