Kidnap suspect faces amended charges

The Coeur d’Alene man who allegedly attempted to kidnap a co-worker from the Coeur d’Alene Press offices — with the intent to rape her — saw his charges amended this week. A charge of attempted rape filed against Jason A. Edwards, 44, was changed to battery with the intent to commit a serious felony, according to court documents filed by Kootenai County Deputy Prosecutor David Robins. A charge of first-degree kidnapping was amended to attempted first-degree kidnapping, the documents said. He remains charged with aggravated assault and burglary, which were among the original felony charges from the Nov. 1 incident. He also is charged with a DUI, a misdemeanor, in relation to the incident. He remained in custody Thursday night at the Kootenai County jail on $500,000 bond. He no longer works at The Press/ David Cole , Coeur d’Alene Press. More here.