Coeur d’Alene man pleads guilty in attack on co-worker

A Coeur d’Alene sex offender faces as much as 55 years in prison for an assault on a co-worker last fall.

Jason A. Edwards, 45, who worked at the Coeur d’Alene Press, pleaded guilty Monday morning to first-degree attempted kidnapping, battery with intent to commit a serious felony and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

First District Judge Lansing Haynes told Edwards he could be sentenced to 15 years for attempted kidnapping and up to 20 years each for the battery and assault, as well as fined as much as $80,000. Sentencing is set for June 7.

Edwards admitted to using a knife to try to abduct the 27-year-old woman, who was working an early shift at the newspaper on Nov. 1. He threatened her and held the knife to her stomach as he walked her to his van and attempted to open the van door, according to court records.

The victim told investigators she broke free and took the knife from Edwards, cutting his hand. She fled and locked herself inside the newspaper office.

Edwards has a previous conviction for lewd conduct with a 4-year-old girl.