Idaho Store Manager Enters Plea on Sex Abuse Charges

LEWISTON, Idaho (AP) — A former retail manager at a Lewiston discount department store has pleaded guilty to sexual battery after prosecutors said he had a sexual relationship with a teenage employee.

The Lewiston Tribune reports 34-year-old Brad Fowler entered the guilty plea on Wednesday. In exchange, prosecutors reduced the charge from felony rape to sexual battery of a minor.

Police said Fowler was a manager at the department store when he began a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old employee. Investigators said Fowler admitted during an interview that he knew the girl was an underage high school student. Sentencing is set for Jan. 8.