In a joint operation, Hailey police and the Bellevue Marshal’s Office arrested a 44-year-old Bellevue man last week for allegedly sexually abusing a 5-year-old girl.
Marcelino B. Baeza was formally charged with the felony crime of lewd conduct with a child under 16 at an initial court appearance on July 3 in Blaine County Magistrate Court. The crime is punishable in Idaho by up to life in prison.
Baeza, represented by Hailey attorney Douglas Nelson, remained incarcerated Tuesday morning in the Blaine County jail on $85,000 bond.
Hailey police Lt. Steve England said the investigation started the evening of Tuesday, July 2, when police were called to a home on North Third Street in Bellevue shortly after 8:30 p.m. He said investigation led to the arrest and filing of the charge against Baeza.
England said the girl was transported by Wood River Fire and Rescue ambulance to St. Luke’s Wood River hospital, but was well enough to talk to officers about the incident.
England said Baeza lived at the home where the alleged incident occurred.