Idaho Falls man charged with rape of 16-year-old girl - East Idaho News

IDAHO FALLS -- Alexander Scott Shepherd, a 36-year-old man, has been charged with the rape of a 17-year-old girl after she reported the incident to her probation officer. The charges specifically relate to offenses involving a victim aged 16 or 17, and if convicted, Shepherd could face up to life in prison.

Court documents reveal that the victim, who had run away from home, stayed with Shepherd for a period when she was 16 years old. During her stay, she alleged that he had sexual relations with her two to three times. The victim described how Shepherd had expressed a strong sexual desire to her prior to the assaults.

According to the victim's account, an incident led to the alleged rape when Shepherd forcibly grabbed her and ignored her verbal rejections to his advances. Reports indicate that he undressed her and subsequently sexually assaulted her, despite her attempts to resist.

The investigation included text messages between Shepherd and the victim, suggesting an interaction had taken place. Shepherd denied any wrongdoing, claiming she had not stayed at his trailer and was only present briefly. However, evidence such as a voice recording where the victim confronts Shepherd about his actions and time-stamped photos of her in his trailer contradicts his statements.

Further scrutiny revealed Shepherd's internet search history, which included numerous pornographic sites targeting teenagers, indicating a concerning interest in underage girls. He is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on April 4, where he will have the opportunity to respond to the charges against him. It is important to note that Shepherd is presumed innocent until proven guilty.