POST FALLS, Idaho — A former Spokane radio host will serve at least 15 years in prison for sexually abusing two young boys.
Authorities said 51-year-old Kris Siebers thought he was messaging a young boy for sex, and asked the child to meet at his Coeur d'Alene workplace. But, instead of a child, the 51-year-old was confronted this August by Post Falls police detectives.
Kootenai County prosecutors said this was the final step in a lengthy investigation. Police said Siebers abused a 14 to 15-year-old boy in 2022, and the child's mother called them after finding evidence on her son's phone.
Officers used a burner phone, posing as the boy to reconnect with Siebers, and their plan worked. Police said Siebers, believing he was messaging the boy, agreed to meet up for another sexual encounter and was arrested.
During their investigation, detectives said they learned Siebers molested a different boy between 2015 and 2017.
Siebers is a former local morning news radio host and was involved with the Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre, acting in a play a month before he was caught.
Days after his arrest this summer, the theater's artistic director went on Facebook telling parents in part:
"Thankfully, there were no incidents of suspicion involving the alleged during his time working on The Sound of Music. Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre follows strict safety protocols when working with minors."
Siebers pleaded guilty Oct. 6 to two counts of lewd conduct with a child under 16. Court records show his wife filed for divorce two days later.
Siebers faced a maximum sentence of life in prison. Kootenai County prosecutors recommended 35 year sentences for each count with parole eligibility after 15 years.
District Judge Barry McHugh sentenced him to 30 years for each count. Siebers will be eligible for parole in 15 years.
In his ruling, Judge McHugh noted there was "no indication that the conduct would have ceased but for the investigation having been initiated" and told Siebers "a 14-year-old does not have the wherewithal to consent. That is not possible and should have never happened."
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