Bear Lake County child molester to serve at least 33 years in prison

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Story Published: Jul 2, 2009 at 5:13 PM MST

Story Updated: Jul 2, 2009 at 5:45 PM MST

By Wes Horrocks

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BEAR LAKE COUNTY - The Montpelier man convicted of more than 40 counts of lewd conduct and sexual battery with a minor learned his fate Thursday.

Prosecutors call it a day of justice not only for the victims in this case, but also for the community of Bear Lake County as Daryl Reid is sentenced to at least 33 years in prison. Ardee Helm, Prosecutor said, "The state of Idaho is extremely happy with this sentence."

After a seven day trial in May, Daryl Reid was convicted of one count of rape, 25 counts of lewd conduct with a minor, 21 counts of sexual battery of a minor and one count of misdemeanor battery. Helm said, "We had to search for evidence. We had to search for ways to make this convincing to a jury."

Even during the sentencing, Reid and his attorney maintained his innocence.

Reid's lawyer, Craig Parrish, also argued that his client should be given a chance at rehabilitation, and would likely do well if placed on probation.

The state felt Reid should never be allowed into public again. "We've set out to take these type of people off the streets. We did it about four years ago. We've convicted a number of them," said Helm.

When Judge Mitchell Brown read out the sentence of 33 years to life in prison, and a $70,000 fine, several of the girls who had testified against Reid broke down in tears.

Off-camera they told us that this is the best day of their lives. Helm said, "It gives the girls a chance to understand if you come forth and you testify there will be justice. This is a day of justice for the people in Bear Lake and for this family."

Daryl Reid was scheduled to go to trial again in just a few months on similar charges, but we spoke to the alleged victim in that case who tells us that now that he's been sentenced those charges will probably not be pursued.

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