SANDPOINT — A Bonner County resident facing sexual abuse charges against a minor has entered an Alford plea to an amended abuse charge.

Brandon Sovan Veach, 21, was expected to start trial today on a felony charge of lewd conduct with a minor under 16. Instead, a plea deal was reached and a change of plea hearing was set, where Veach plead guilty via Alford to a felony injury to child charge.

Under an Alford plea, a defendant admits no wrongdoing but concedes that a guilty verdict could result following a trial. The plea is treated no differently at sentencing than a standard guilty plea.

As part of the pretrial settlement, the prosecuting and defense team will be allowed to make an open recommendation for Veach’s sentencing. The maximum penalty for pleading guilty to an injury to child

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