RATHDRUM, Idaho — Kootenai County Sheriff’s, Coeur d’Alene Police and the U.S. Marshals Service arrested a man from Rathdrum on charges out of California related to a 2002 kidnap and rape of a child under 18.
49-year-old Eric Ferguson was wanted by the Oakley Police Department in Contra Costa County.
According to officers, Ferguson was 29 years old at the time and allegedly used a dangerous or deadly weapon during the alleged crimes.
The Superior Court in Contra Costa County issues an arrest warrant on May 16, 2024. Ferguson was charged with Rape of an Incompetent Person, Forcible Oral Copulation and Kidnapping for Rape.
Sheriff Robert “Bob” Norris said, “Kootenai County is a safer place because Ferguson is now in jail. A firearm was used in this alleged violent sexual attack and the suspect needs to be held accountable for his actions”.
Ferguson spent two years as the Executive Director Facilities & Support Services at Kootenai Health starting in 2022.
Kootenai Health sent KREM 2 a statement on Friday following the allegations against Ferguson.
"We are deeply disturbed and surprised by these allegations. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the victim" said Catie Bobbitt, Kootenai Health's Public Information Officer. "Mr. Ferguson was briefly employed at Kootenai Health, but has not been an employee for several months. We had no prior knowledge or information related to the arrest during his employment."
Ferguson is currently behind held at the Kootenai County Jail awaiting extradition to California.
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