Mr. Heath was involved with running a daycare in the 1400 block of Cedar Ave from 2009 to 2018 that the minor child attended. Over the span of nine years, the victim was typically taken upstairs to a bedroom by Mr. Heath and given an iPad. While the child was watching the screen, he would undress the five year old and remove her clothing. He then “digitally stimulated and digitally penetrated” the child.
In Nez Perce County District Court today, Chad Heath (49 yoa, Lewiston) learned his fate. Mr. Heath had pled guilty to Lewd Conduct with a Child under 16 on November 28, 2023. During sentencing, Chief Criminal Prosecutor April Smith argued for a long prison sentence because Mr. Heath is a danger to the public. She believed society is safer if Mr. Heath was in prison. The presentence investigation recommended Mr. Heath only get a RIDER and then be placed on probation. Ultimately, Judge Monson ordered a 30 year prison sentence with the possibility of Parole after eight years.
“This case is every parent’s worse fear. Sexual predators like Mr. Heath deserve to be in prison for as long as possible and not in our community. I want to thank Chief Deputy Smith for her hard work on this case and fighting for a lengthy sentence,” said Elected Prosecutor Justin Coleman