Coeur d’Alene man charged with sexual assault of sleeping woman

COEUR d’ALENE – A man is in jail after police arrested him for allegedly sexually assaulting a sleeping woman.

Walter WA Bell, 42, of Coeur d’Alene, is charged with forcible sexual penetration with a foreign object, a felony punishable by up to life in prison.

Police responded to a reported sexual assault Tuesday evening. A woman who had been staying at Bell’s home said she went to bed Monday night after drinking NyQuil, which Bell had offered her, and then woke up in the early morning hours to find Bell sexually assaulting her.

According to court documents, Bell, who reportedly also goes by the first name Damien, left the woman’s bedroom after she yelled at him to stop.

Court records show Bell admitted to attacking the woman in Facebook messages that were later reviewed by law enforcement.

When interviewed by police, Bell confirmed that he had assaulted the woman and admitted that “his actions were wrong,” according to court documents.

Police arrested Bell on Tuesday evening. He remains in the Kootenai County Jail.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual abuse, you can reach Safe Passage 24 hours a day by calling 208-664-9303 or texting 208-449-7228.