Jerome man facing child sexual abuse charges
Jerome man facing child sexual abuse charges KMVT
TWIN FALLS, Idaho – Jerome Man Charged with Child Sexual Abuse
Introduction
A Jerome man is currently facing multiple child sexual abuse charges after allegedly preying on teenage girls, according to Twin Falls School District spokeswoman, Eva Craner.
Background
The 19-year-old suspect, Damien Phelps, had been a community volunteer with the Esports program at Canyon Ridge High School for approximately four months.
Allegations and Investigation
One of the victims allegedly met Phelps through his involvement in the Esports program. The underage victim reported having sexual encounters with Phelps in the parking lot of Canyon Ridge. The alleged relationship lasted for several weeks between November and December of 2023.
Twin Falls Police obtained a search warrant to examine Phelps’ phone on February 15, 2024. During the search, they reportedly discovered nude pictures of the victim, as well as pictures of another minor.
In addition, Twin Falls Police Detective Tracy Thompson stated in an affidavit that the department was also investigating an alleged sexual encounter between Phelps and a 13-year-old girl.
Another incident involving Phelps was reported at the College of Southern Idaho, where he was accused of lewd conduct. The parent of the alleged victim informed the police that their child and Phelps were castmates in a play.
Evidence and Charges
Further investigation revealed explicit messages on the minor’s Discord account, along with the exchange of nude pictures. The police obtained the minor’s phone with consent from the parents.
A forensic download of Phelps’ phone uncovered over one thousand messages between him and the 13-year-old, as well as nude pictures of both parties. During a CARES interview, the child disclosed that she had been sexually harassed by the suspect, with the alleged incidents occurring during practice.
Twin Falls School District Response
Legal Proceedings
Phelps is currently facing charges of rape and two counts of child sexually exploitative material in his first case. In the second case, he is charged with rape, lewd conduct with a child under 16, and child sexually exploitative material. His total bond is set at $600,000, and he is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing at the Twin Falls County Courthouse on the 22nd.
Conclusion
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
---|---|---|
SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres | – No specific indicators mentioned in the article |
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against children | – The arrest and charges against Damien Phelps for child sexual abuse can be seen as progress towards this target. |
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.9: By 2030, provide legal identity for all, including birth registration | – No specific indicators mentioned in the article |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:
- Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres
- Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against children
- Target 16.9: By 2030, provide legal identity for all, including birth registration
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
There are no specific indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. However, the arrest and charges against Damien Phelps for child sexual abuse can be seen as progress towards Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against children.
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Source: kmvt.com
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