LEWISTON, ID – A Clarkston man is facing felony charges in Nez Perce County after Lewiston Police alleged he took multiple firearms from an elderly Lewiston woman and used threats, intimidation and financial exploitation during the course of their relationship.

According to an affidavit of probable cause filed July 1 in Nez Perce County District Court, James W. Pressnell, 62, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and robbery. Court documents state the investigation began after a woman’s daughter contacted Lewiston Police on July 1 with concerns about her mother’s welfare.

Police wrote that the woman later told detectives she had known Pressnell for about a year and that he had taken between three and five firearms from her Lewiston home between January and June. The affidavit states the firearms belonged to the woman’s late husband, and that she believed one may have been an AR-15-style rifle.

The woman also alleged Pressnell told her he had hidden the firearms in a compartment in his trailer in Clarkston and warned her not to tell law enforcement about them. According to the affidavit, she told detectives Pressnell threatened to kill her if she reported the guns to police.

In addition to the firearm allegations, the affidavit outlines claims of financial exploitation. Investigators wrote that the woman reported Pressnell had her sign over titles to three vehicles, told her he planned to add himself to her bank account, and had borrowed about $9,000 that had not been repaid. She also told police he removed surveillance cameras from her home and had taken jewelry belonging to her late husband.

Detectives also cited Pressnell’s criminal history in the affidavit, including prior felony convictions that would prohibit him from legally possessing firearms. Investigators wrote that they believed Pressnell should be taken into custody immediately to protect the woman while the financial crimes and exploitation allegations remain under investigation.