NorthwestJanuary 6, 2004

ASOTIN -- An Onaway man facing charges of second- degree rape of a child and third-degree rape pleaded innocent Monday in Asotin County Superior Court.

Rickie L. Marks, 46, is set to go to trial Feb. 17 on charges stemming from an alleged incident in Asotin County in March involving a 13-year-old girl. If convicted, he could be sentenced to life in prison.

At his arraignment Monday, Marks' attorney, Neil Cox, requested a bond reduction from $250,000 to $25,000. Cox said Marks does not pose a flight risk and has no prior criminal history. He is a longtime resident of Onaway, a small community near Potlatch, Idaho, and has no other place to go, he said.

The request was denied by Whitman County Superior Court Judge David Frazier, who presided at the proceeding via telephone. Frazier said the bail amount is reasonable, based on the nature of the charges.

Marks was visibly upset with the judge's decision and muttered several profanities and comments about how he's being treated.

Asotin County Prosecutor Benjamin Nichols said Marks is facing a possible sentence of life in prison and has a high incentive to flee. In addition, he has been accused of intimidating a witness in a case in Latah County.

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According to court documents, Marks initially refused to answer the door when police served papers at his house, and on Dec. 19, he refused to be transported from the Asotin County Jail for a court appearance, Nichols said.

A pretrial hearing has been scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Feb. 4 in Asotin County Superior Court.

Marks is being represented by Attorneys Charles Kovis of Moscow and Cox of Clarkston.

In addition to the Asotin County charges, Marks has pending cases in Latah County. He was arrested Nov. 14 on charges of lewd conduct with a minor under 16 and posted a $5,000 bond.

He was arrested again Nov. 25 for solicitation of intimidating a witness and posted a $3,000 bond.

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