Pocatello Man, 65, Faces Two Felony Counts of Sexual Battery of a Minor
Arrest Follows Investigation Into Text Messages and Alleged Physical Contact
POCATELLO, Idaho — A 65-year-old Pocatello man has been charged with two felony counts of sexual battery of a minor child after police say he sent sexually explicit text messages to a teenage girl and, on a separate occasion, made unwanted physical contact of a sexual nature, according to court records and information from the Pocatello Police Department.
Eduardo Nabor Laythe, of Pocatello, was taken into custody following a police response to a family dispute in the early morning hours of April 24. The case has since moved to the Bannock County court system, where Laythe faces serious criminal exposure if convicted.
According to police, officers were dispatched around 2 a.m. to a Pocatello residence for a reported family disturbance. While speaking with a teenage girl at the scene, she disclosed that Laythe had sent her inappropriate text messages and had previously engaged in unwanted physical contact of a possible sexual nature.
Detectives, accompanied by a representative from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, returned to the residence later that morning to conduct a follow-up investigation. During that visit, officers confirmed that the phone number linked to the text messages belonged to Laythe.
Text Messages and Physical Incident Central to Charges
The text message exchange in question was dated November 9, 2024, when the girl was 16 years old and Laythe was 64. According to police, the messages included sexually suggestive comments directed at the girl and references to leaving physical marks on her body.
The girl also described a separate incident that allegedly occurred around October 2025. She told police that while the two were watching a movie together, Laythe placed his head in her lap, then moved to the floor and laid on top of her for approximately two minutes. She said she attempted to create distance by moving away, but that he followed her to the floor.
When interviewed by officers following his arrest, Laythe acknowledged sending the text messages but denied any sexual intent, saying he was attempting to make the girl feel better about her appearance. He also denied ever touching her in a sexual manner. Regarding the physical incident, he acknowledged that his head may have been in her lap while watching movies but denied making the movements she described.
Laythe was transported to the Bannock County Jail in Pocatello following his arrest. A forensic interview for the girl was scheduled at the Bright Tomorrows child advocacy center, and search warrants were sought for cell phones seized as evidence.
Cases involving allegations of child sexual abuse in Pocatello have drawn increased attention from local law enforcement in recent years. In a separate matter, a Pocatello man faced additional charges of child sexual abuse material stemming from a 2024 arrest, underscoring ongoing efforts by area investigators and prosecutors to pursue such cases aggressively.
Court Proceedings and Potential Penalties
Laythe appeared before 6th District Magistrate Judge David A. Hooste for an arraignment hearing on April 27, where bond was set at $10,000. He is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing, during which prosecutors will attempt to present sufficient evidence to elevate the case from magistrate court to district court for trial.
If convicted on both felony sexual battery counts, Laythe faces a combined maximum sentence of up to 50 years in prison and fines of up to $100,000 under Idaho law.
The Pocatello Police Department and Bannock County prosecutors have not issued additional public statements beyond what is reflected in court records. The case remains active and is expected to continue through the district court system pending the outcome of the preliminary hearing.
What Comes Next
Laythe’s preliminary hearing will determine whether prosecutors have presented enough evidence to bind the case over to district court for a formal trial. If the case is elevated, Laythe will face arraignment at the district level, where a trial date would be set. The Bright Tomorrows forensic interview and the results of the cell phone search warrants are expected to play a significant role in the prosecution’s case. Bannock County News will continue to follow this matter as court proceedings advance. For additional Idaho public safety and law enforcement coverage, visit Idaho News.