Man charged with lewd conduct waives preliminary hearing
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IDAHO FALLS — An Idaho Falls man who allegedly sexually assaulted a child waived his preliminary hearing Wednesday.
Stacey John Pearson, 47, is charged with one felony count of lewd and lascivious conduct with a minor under 16.
During a preliminary hearing, the state has to show probable cause, that an offense was committed and that the defendant committed the offense. If there is probable cause the case is bound over to District Court.
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When the defendant waives the preliminary hearing it means they’re agreeing there is sufficient evidence the case can be treated as a felony.
“It’s not an admission of guilt it’s just an admission that the evidence is sufficient,” Prosecuting Attorney John Dewey said.
The alleged incidents began happening when the boy was 12 years old in Feb. 2013. Court documents state the abuse continued until Feb. 2017.
The victim, who was known to Pearson, told detectives during an interview that Pearson tried committing sexual acts with him on more than one occasion at various locations.
Pearson will appear next in District Court Oct. 17.