February 4, 2004
District Judge Steven Verby sentenced Dennis Nichols, 51, Bonners Ferry, to one year in the local jail and eight years probation February 3 after pleading guilty to felony injury to a child October 7, 2003. Nichols was initially charged with sexual battery of a minor January 21, 2003, for engaging in sexual acts with a 16-year-old girl between October 21, 2001, and February 13, 2002.
Because the defendant suffers serious medical problems, sentencing in the case was delayed several months, and his condition was taken into account during the sentencing hearing. Boundary County Sheriff George Voyles and jail sergeant Don Alt both testified as to the availability of adequate medical care in the jail.
Kenneth Stone, Sandpoint, who is one of three Boundary County public defenders, represented Nichols. Prosecutor Jack Douglas represented the state, and he said he was pleased with the sentence and with the careful thought Judge Verby put into it.
“I think Judge Verby was careful to consider all the facts and circumstances,” he said. “He clearly wanted to send an effective message to the community, yet also provide for the safety of the prisoner in our jail. Boundary County takes seriously its obligation legally and morally to house prisoners in a safe manner. Sheriff Voyles and his staff are to be complimented for explaining the careful precautions we take so that prisoners may be kept safely while they pay their debt to society. This is a good sentence, and hopefully it will help discourage others from harming children.”
Douglas said he was also pleased that the case was resolved without the necessity of having the victim testify.
“She has been through enough already,” he said. “This child was brave and did the right thing by letting us know. We tried to do the right thing by her by putting Mr. Nichols in custody to serve serious jail time and without having to force her to recount her tragic story in court.”