1. Montana man accused of sexually assaulting minor in Lava Hot Springs
2. Alleged rape of minor in Lava Hot Springs leads to charges against Montana man.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
A man identified as Joshua Everett Hancock, aged 38, has been charged with a felony count of lewd conduct with a minor under the age of 16 in Lava Hot Springs. Court records reveal the serious nature of the crime he is accused of committing.
The incident came to light when the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office received a referral from Idaho Health and Welfare Children and Family Services on March 9. The referral detailed a disturbing case where a 14-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a man later identified as Hancock.
Following the referral, the victim was interviewed by a therapist at a child advocacy center in Pocatello on March 13. During the interview, the victim bravely recounted the harrowing details of the assault that took place in December.
According to the victim, she was at a friend’s house playing Fortnite when a man known as “Josh” offered her alcohol. Subsequently, Hancock purportedly offered to give her a ride home after she became intoxicated.
The victim recalled feeling unwell during the journey and vomiting, which led to Hancock removing her clothes and assaulting her. After the ordeal, Hancock allegedly dropped her off a short distance from her residence, leaving her feeling distressed and violated.
Deputies investigating the case discovered that Hancock is a registered sex offender from Montana, with a prior conviction for a similar offence in Idaho back in 2005.
Further analysis of the victim’s cell phone revealed incriminating messages and videos exchanged on the night of the incident. These digital traces provided crucial evidence supporting the victim’s account of events.
During a monitored phone call between Hancock and the victim, the accused seemingly acknowledged the encounter and expressed willingness to assist the victim with any potential consequences of their actions.
Subsequently, an arrest warrant was issued for Hancock on March 21, and he was taken into custody on May 8. He posted bail of $50,000 and was released from Bannock County Jail the following day.
While Hancock has been charged with the crime, it is important to remember that everyone is innocent until proven guilty. If found guilty, he could face a sentence of life imprisonment. Hancock is scheduled to appear in court for an arraignment hearing on May 22.
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Montana man charged after allegedly raping minor in Lava Hot Springs
Montana man charged after allegedly raping minor in Lava Hot Springs.
