BLACKFOOT — A Pingree man has pleaded not guilty to charges of kidnapping and raping a pregnant woman.
Jerad Rene Contreras, 27, is charged with felony first-degree kidnapping, forcible rape, aggravated battery and aggravated assault. He is also charged with misdemeanor violating a no contact order, violating a civil protection order and intentional destruction of a telecommunication line.
Last week, Contreras appeared before District Judge Darren B. Simpson in Bingham County and entered a not guilty plea to all charges.
Court documents obtained by EastIdahoNews.com detail the terrifying series of events deputies say led to the arrest of Contreras on Feb. 2.
Contreras is said to have held a pregnant woman against her will in a vehicle while beating and raping her as they drove around for hours.
Prosecutors are also seeking a felony persistent violator enhancement, meaning if Contreras is found guilty he faces a minimum of five years in prison and extends the maximum sentence to life in prison.
According to Idaho Code, any person convicted of three felonies is considered a persistent violator.
Contreras is still facing previous domestic violence charges in Bonneville County. Court records show pending charges of felony attempted strangulation, misdemeanor malicious injury to property, misdemeanor false imprisonment and misdemeanor domestic battery in the presence of a child.
Contreras was arrested on the Bonneville County charges in November. Contreras was released to pretrial services after posting a $50,000 bond. A warrant for his arrest was issued a month after his release when he failed to appear for a pre-trial hearing.
Contreras remains in the Bingham County Jail on a $1 million bond.
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