LEWISTON, ID – A Lewiston man has been formally charged with multiple felonies following an investigation into allegations of prolonged sexual abuse involving minors under his care.

According to an affidavit filed in Nez Perce County on Tuesday, 32-year-old Jeffrey A. Wemhoff faces five felony charges, including one count of lewd conduct with a minor under 16, two counts involving child sexually exploitative material, and two counts of sexual abuse of a child under the age of 16.

The Lewiston Police Department launched the investigation after a juvenile victim disclosed the alleged ongoing abuse to a family member.  The alleged abuse occurred at a residence on 11th Avenue in Lewiston and is reported to have spanned from 2018 through early 2025.

Victims reported being coerced into inappropriate behavior, sometimes in exchange for access to phones or privileges. Investigators also noted that some actions were disguised as games or normalized through repeated exposure.

One witness told detectives that the victim had previously reported abuse in 2021 but later recanted. Investigators now believe that earlier disclosure was valid and influenced by fear and control within the household.

Detectives also documented concerns that a relative of the defendant may have already contacted witnesses in an attempt to dissuade cooperation with the investigation.

Wemhoff was taken into custody on Monday and booked into the Nez Perce County Jail.  He appeared in Nez Perce County Court on Tuesday afternoon.  Bond was set at $500,000.