Ada County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 20-year-old Eagle man Wednesday accused of having illegal sexual contact with two 14-year-old girls last winter.
Austin A. Brunette is charged with two felony counts of lewd conduct.
Detectives began their investigation in February after being contacted by a third party. As they investigated the case, detectives developed evidence Brunette, who was 19 at the time, had illegal sexual contact with the girls at various locations in Star and Eagle between November and January. Both victims knew who Brunette was. The crimes were not random.
Detectives interviewed both girls, worked on a safety plan, and continued to gather evidence on the case.
Detectives sent the case information to Ada County prosecutors, who issued an arrest warrant for Brunette on Wednesday.
Deputies arrested Brunette near a residence in Garden City Wednesday evening and booked him into the Ada County Jail, where he is being held on a $250,000 bond.
The crime of lewd conduct is punishable by up to life in prison.
Detectives are concerned Brunette may have additional victims and would like anyone who has information to call detective Neil Daigle at (208) 577-3704 or send an email to [email protected]