Court dates set in James rape case

DAVENPORT - A 24-year-old local man accused of second-degree rape appeared in Lincoln County Superior Court on Tuesday, Jan. 7, and remains in custody with a trial date set in place.

Daniel R. James faces a charge of second-degree rape-forcible compulsion stemming from an alleged incident on Saturday, Sept. 28.

His defense informed the court that they did not have all the discoveries as they would have liked to interview witnesses. The prosecution responded, noting that they were planning interviews.

"I am going to need at least three months," said his defense.

An omnibus hearing will be set for February 4, at 10:30 a.m..

A readiness hearing is set for March 4 at 10:30 a.m., with a jury trial date starting April 7.

James voluntarily agreed to waive his right to a speedy trial until May 1.

James was reportedly arrested after a local woman reported to police that he raped her after offering her a ride home from 106 Main St. around 3:48 a.m. that morning.

The woman told police they drove to a secluded area, where they talked and listened to music before James allegedly raped her in the backseat of his vehicle.

Records show James later dropped the woman off where he had picked her up.

James denied the allegation during questioning, claiming the encounter was instigated by the woman, according to court records.

The Record-Times has chosen not to identify the alleged victim, although her name is publicly available under state law.

Judge Pro Tempore Dan B. Johnson presided over James' initial court appearance.

Author Bio

Olivia Harnack, Managing Editor

Olivia Harnack is the award-winning managing editor/photographer/videographer/columnist at the Lincoln County Record-Times, with offices in both Davenport and Odessa, Wash. She is a University of Idaho graduate and a U.S. Army National Guardsman.