Suspects booked in Colfax case

Three suspects were booked into the county jail Oct. 12 on probable charges of communication with a minor for immoral purposes. The arrests followed a week-long investigation by Colfax Police Officer Joe Handley, according to a report by Chief Rick McNannay.

Suspects booked were Eric J. Hall, 56, Michael Talcott, 32, both of Colfax, and Stephen C. Hoffman, 26, Moscow. Hoffman also faces a probable charge of attempted rape of a child in the third degree.

Probable cause affidavits filed with the arrest allege the suspects responded to a posting on an online dating website in which Officer Handley posed as a 15-year-old girl. The affidavits list alleged exchanges of email messages between the fictional girl and the suspects. In the exchanges, Handley’s fictional girl repeatedly informed the suspects she was 15-years-old.

The additional charge against Hoffman alleged he showed up with condoms at a location where the 15-year-old said she would meet him after school. He was arrested at the site.

Hall was released on his own recognizance after a first court appearance last Wednesday, and Talcott and Hoffman were released after first appearances last Thursday.

Formal charges had not been filed as of Tuesday.