Trial to begin for former LCHS teacher
A late summer trial is scheduled for a former Lake City High School science teacher who faces lewd conduct charges.
A two-week jury trial will begin Aug. 26 for Jeffrey L. Kantola, who is charged with lewd conduct with a minor under the age of 16, and attempted lewd conduct, both felonies that can carry up to 15 years in prison.
Kantola, 48, chose not to enter a plea at his Friday arraignment in First District Court, so Judge Rich Christensen entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.
According to court records, Kantola is accused of sexual misconduct with a 15-year-old girl on two occasions, once in February and once in March. In the first incident Kantola is alleged to have offered to pay the teen to take off her top and bra and allow Kantola to touch her. In the second incident Kantola allegedly fondled the girl, according to court records/Ralph Bartholdt, Coeur d'Alene Press. More here.
