RATHDRUM, Idaho – Detectives from the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) Special Investigation Unit arrested a 61-year-old Rathdrum man on Friday afternoon for manufacturing drugs. This arrest led to the commencement of a related child abuse investigation.
The arrest occurred at 11:30 a.m., in collaboration with the Coeur d’Alene Police Department’s Community Action Team. Following a drug trafficking investigation, authorities executed a search warrant at a home in the 7000 block of West Crenshaw Street.
According to KCSO officials, after detaining the 61-year-old suspect, detectives found what they described as “an active crack cocaine manufacturing setup” inside the home, in addition to various narcotics including cocaine, methamphetamine, unprescribed hydrocodone and over two pounds of psilocybin mushrooms.
Additionally, multiple firearms, ammunition, cash, scales and packaging deemed as “drug distribution materials” were seized.
The suspect was booked into the Kootenai County Jail on charges related to manufacturing crack cocaine, possession of multiple illegal substances and possession with intent to deliver psilocybin mushrooms. He is currently being held without bail.
During the search, detectives found a family with three children living in a shed behind the main structure. With the help of the Rathdrum Police Department, a separate child abuse investigation was launched. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare took custody of the three children, while their parents received summons for child abuse.
KCSO officials reported that detectives are continuing to work on this investigation.
