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Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Burda trial moved to May 14
ALMIRA — A 72-year-old Almira man charged with first-degree child molestation, fourth-degree child molestation, and two counts of first-degree rape of a child.
Kenneth E. Burda faces charges related to the sexual abuse of his granddaughters.
He is accused of inappropriately touching two of his granddaughters at his home on South Fifth Street.
According to police reports, the case first came to light on September 9, 2024, when the mother of a 3-year-old girl contacted authorities, claiming that Burda had inappropriately touched and licked her granddaughter.
According to records, the grandfather also had the toddler watch pornography with him.
A follow-up interview with the child on September 20 prompted further investigation.
As the investigation progressed, another granddaughter, now 14, came forward to accuse Burda of sexual abuse when she was between 6 and 8 years old.
Burda was arrested on November 18, 2024, and initially held in the Lincoln County Jail on a $150,000 bond.
At a status conference on December 17, the court confirmed his competency to stand trial. Burda waived his right to a speedy trial, and a plea agreement was reached.
A readiness hearing has been scheduled for April 22, with the trial to begin May 14.
During the December court hearing, prosecutors requested bail to be set at $50,000, and a no-contact order was imposed between Burda and the victims.
Burda remains in jail awaiting trial.
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.
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