Post Falls man jailed for sexual abuse

COEUR d’ALENE – A Post Falls man who pleaded guilty to sexually abusing two children faces up to 30 years in prison.

Derek J. Thomson, 29, pleaded guilty in January to lewd conduct with a minor under 16, a crime punishable by up to life in prison. Prosecutors said Thomson had “sexual contact” with two children between September 2018 and September 2023. The children were between the ages of 2 and 8 at the time of the abuse.

First District Judge Barry McHugh sentenced Thomson last week to 30 years in prison with the possibility of parole after 10 years.

“The Kootenai County Prosecutor’s Office supports victims of crime, especially young children who have been abused by a trusted adult,” Kootenai County Prosecutor Stan Mortensen said in a news release. “This type of behavior is among the worst in society and we thank everyone who works to protect children.”