Jury finds Clark guilty

NEWPORT – John William Clark, 31, was found guilty of two counts of second-degree sending depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct and one count of first-degree voyeurism following a three-day jury trial that wrapped up Wednesday, Jan. 7.

The jury of six men and six women deliberated six hours before returning the verdict in the case which was tried in Pend Oreille County Superior Court before Judge Lisa Malpass. Dolly Hunt prosecuted the case, which was defended by Brett Billingsley.

The case centered on Clark sending topless pictures of a then 13-year-old girl to her friends on social media in 2022, encouraging them to share topless photos so they could compare breasts, according to the statement of probable cause.

The girl’s mother contacted the sheriff’s office in February 2022 and told them the pictures were taken in the bathroom within the last month because of a shower curtain that was there for a limited period.

Clark was then married to the victim’s mother. A search warrant was sought and granted for Clark’s electronic devices, including a Go Pro wireless camera, a smart phone and a laptop.

The reviewing officer said that the pictures were extracted from video files on the smart phone.

The prosecution presented 35 exhibits and called four witnesses. Clark testified on his own behalf.

Sentencing for the three felonies is set for Jan. 22.