Idaho Man Who Admitted to Felony Charge in Case Involving 15-Year-Old Girl Receives Prison Treatment Program — Could Be Eligible for Release After One Year

A judge’s sentencing decision has drawn attention after the victim and her family described the lasting impact of the assault, while the defendant’s supporters filled part of the courtroom.

An Idaho man who initially faced charges of raping a 15-year-old girl has been sentenced to a prison-based treatment program that could allow him to be released on probation after as little as one year. Krew Zaugg, now 22, appeared before District Judge Michael Whyte in Bonneville County on October 27, 2026, following a case that began with allegations of sexual assault in May 2025. Zaugg originally faced felony charges of rape of a victim under 16 and lewd conduct with a child under 16. However, under a plea agreement reached in June 2026, he pleaded guilty to an amended felony charge of battery with intent to commit a serious felony, while the lewd-conduct charge was dismissed.

The sentencing hearing brought two very different groups into the courtroom. The victim’s relatives sat on one side, while more than 40 people appeared to attend in support of Zaugg. Members of the girl’s family described how the incident had affected her emotional well-being, relationships and everyday life. Her stepmother told the court that the teenager developed an eating disorder after the assault and became afraid of activities she had previously enjoyed. Her mother described panic attacks, social withdrawal and difficulty trusting men. According to the family, the teenager had also faced hurtful online comments and harassment from people supporting Zaugg.

The victim’s own statement, read aloud in court, offered a painful account of the aftermath. She said she had struggled to sleep and sometimes needed medication to avoid waking up in panic. She also described feeling humiliated by online comments that made jokes about what had happened to her. Her family said the emotional consequences had continued long after the night of the incident. Prosecutors told the court that the girl had disclosed her age as 15 in a Snapchat conversation before meeting Zaugg. They argued that the significant age difference and the circumstances of the case warranted a substantial prison sentence. Prosecutors requested four years of fixed incarceration followed by 16 years of indeterminate time, potentially exposing Zaugg to a 20-year sentence.

The defense, however, argued for a less severe outcome, pointing to Zaugg’s lack of a criminal record and an assessment indicating a low risk of reoffending. His attorney acknowledged that the victim had suffered real harm but argued that a lengthy prison sentence was not warranted. Zaugg also addressed the court, apologizing and saying he had made an impulsive decision while feeling lonely after a breakup. He acknowledged that he had initially been dishonest with investigators following his arrest. He told the judge that he regretted his actions and wanted the opportunity to become a different person.

Judge Whyte ultimately ordered Zaugg to serve up to one year in a correctional treatment program under Idaho’s retained-jurisdiction system, commonly known as a “rider.” After the program, the judge can decide whether to place him on probation or require him to serve an underlying prison sentence of four to 14 years. The order also requires Zaugg to register as a sex offender, pay at least $4,000 in fines and fees, and have no contact with the victim for 14 years. Before announcing the sentence, the judge addressed the reported online harassment, telling Zaugg that he expected him to stop anyone in his circle from attacking or disparaging the victim and her family. The decision leaves the possibility of further incarceration open, while the victim and her relatives continue to deal with the consequences of the case.

Source: PEOPLE