Sanders County Ledger - Your Best Source For Sanders County News

Nicholas Ray Needles pleaded not guilty to six felony counts of incest before Judge Deborah Kim Christopher on Tuesday during his arraignment. As Judge John Larson has assumed jurisdiction over this matter after a motion for substitution of judge, Judge Christopher held the arraignment on his behalf. Judge Larson’s office will issue a date for the jury trial in the near future.

As detailed in the filed affidavit, on November 16, Thompson Falls Police Officer Michael Derry was dispatched to a home in Thompson Falls following a report of possible sexual assault of multiple children. Upon Officer Derry’s arrival, Needles and his wife were exiting the home. Needles’ wife provided Officer Derry with a note, appearing to have been written by one of the children, that alleged Needles had sexually abused two of his children over a period of years. Needles’ wife informed Officer Derry that she had confronted Needles, who allegedly initially denied, but later admitted to the abuse. When asked if he had anything to add, Needles waved his hands around, looking down, and told Officer Derry that “I need to be arrested.” Needles was taken into custody, electing to not speak further with Officer Derry.

Officer Derry entered the residence to speak with the family. As he spoke with the minor female children, noting that they were becoming visibly upset, Officer Derry elected to stop in order to allow the children to have a forensic interview at a later date.