LEWISTON, ID – A 54-year-old Lewiston man is facing a felony rape charge following an investigation by the Lewiston Police Department into allegations involving a juvenile in 2022.

According to court documents filed in Nez Perce County, Karl Joe Lutonsky, also known as Lutonsky-Hupp, was arrested on May 8, 2025. The charge stems from a report made earlier this month by a now 20-year-old woman, who told police she was assaulted by Lutonsky-Hupp when she was 17-years-old.

The affidavit states the woman and Lutonsky-Hupp were co-workers at a Lewiston restaurant. She reported that their working relationship became inappropriate, culminating in an incident at Lutonsky-Hupp’s Lewiston residence, where she was allegedly provided alcohol and sexually assaulted.

In the days following the reported incident, the woman sought medical care for a related injury. According to court documents, the alleged victim told her medical provider at the time that she had been unintentionally injured during a sexual encounter with a coworker.

The investigation included the collection of medical records, interviews with the reporting party, witnesses, and Lutonsky-Hupp. Detectives also gathered photographic and digital evidence related to the case.

During the investigation, Lutonsky-Hupp denied the allegations but allegedly confirmed knowing the woman. Police records indicate he was on supervised parole at the time of the alleged offense. Authorities also noted that Lutonsky-Hupp has a lengthy criminal history, including previous felony convictions, and recommended a high bond.

Lutonsky-Hupp was arrested and booked into the Nez Perce County Jail on a charge of rape, along with a sentencing enhancement for being a persistent violator.

Lutonsky-Hupp appeared in court on Friday.  Bond was set at $150,000.  A preliminary hearing has been set for May 21.