Idaho legislature reports record-high child sex abuse incidents

February 10, 2020 5:02 PM

Connor Sarles,

Posted: February 10, 2020 5:02 PM

by Connor Sarles

BOISE, Idaho — A new report from the Idaho legislature shows the highest number of child sex abuse incidents since 1990.

The annual report is a joint submission by Idaho Governor Brad Little and Attorney General Lawrence G. Wasden, and has been filed every year since 1990.

According to the report, 2019 saw the highest number of reported child sexual abuse incidents since 1990. Last year, 696 cases were filed, an increase of 103 over 2018.

“We do not know whether these high numbers can be attributed to Idaho’s growing population, whether societal factors are somehow contributing to more sexual abuse of children, or whether there are other factors of which we are not aware,” the report reads.

The most frequently filed charges are lewd conduct with a minor under 16, which in 2019 comprised 286 of the incidents.

Ada County has the highest number of case filings at 155. Kootenai County is at 60, Bonner County is at 21 and Latah County is at 8.