Convicted sex offender waffles during plea hearing

WALLACE — Wednesday was law day in Shoshone County and District Judge Barbara Duggan heard several cases throughout the day.

Among the cases heard was the state of Idaho versus Gregory Bass.

Bass, 59, appeared before Judge Duggan for a change-of-plea hearing.

The charges Bass is facing stem from an arrest in January of this year where he was charged with five counts of lewd conduct with a minor under the age of 16, as well as one charge of sexual abuse of a child — all of which occurred in December 2021.

Initially, Bass pled not guilty to all of the charges, but he appeared on Wednesday for the change-of-plea after being offered a deal from the state.

According to Shoshone County Prosecuting Attorney Ben Allen, representing the state in the case, the deal offered to Bass would require him to plead guilty to no less than two of the lewd conduct charges in exchange for the rest of the charges being dropped.

Each of the lewd conduct charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison, while the potentially dropped sexual abuse charge carries a maximum sentence of 25 years.

During the hearing, Bass decided that he wasn’t ready to make a decision and that he would need more time to consult his legal counsel regarding the offer.

It is likely that no matter what charges are presented or pled guilty to, any sentence or sentences that are incurred would run concurrently instead of consecutively, meaning that any time served would count toward both sentences.

Had Bass accepted the state’s deal, Allen would make a sentencing recommendation to Duggan — who can consider it and make the official determination, although it is not required that she follow any recommendations from the state.

Due to Bass’ hesitancy to enter a guilty plea, the state has not made an official sentencing recommendation.

Bass has a lengthy history of sexual crimes, including two prior convictions in Washington state including two counts of first degree child molestation in 2001, and one count of third degree child molestation in 2012.

If found guilty, Bass’ criminal history would almost definitely be considered by both the state in their recommendation, as well as Judge Duggan.

Bass, who is currently in the custody of the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office, is being held on $200,000 bond.

His next appearance is scheduled for May 11.