Teen Won’t Testify Against Woman

A teenage boy, the only witness against a woman accused of sexually battering him, has refused to testify in the case.

The 17-year-old invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self incrimination and a judge ruled Tuesday that the teen could not be forced to testify. His statements could prompt charges against him for a probation violation in Boundary County, the judge said.

The ruling was a setback for Bonner County Prosecutor Tevis Hull. He filed sexual battery charges in September against Carolyn Black, an ex-staffer at the Bonner County juvenile detention home.

Black, 39, is accused of twice having sex with the teen, a former inmate at the juvenile house. The boy already admitted to authorities that he instigated the sex, which did not occur at the detention facility.

But Hull is still pursuing charges. To get the teen’s testimony in court, Hull now has to grant the boy immunity from any charges. Boundary County authorities will have to do the same.

Until that agreement is reached, Black’s preliminary court hearing has been postponed.

, DataTimes