Pocatello police arrested Deborah Luraine Journeau on September 12 following allegations that she violated a protective order and engaged in sexual conduct with a minor. The 29-year-old Bannock County resident faces three new felony charges, adding to a separate case already pending against her involving the same victim.
According to court documents, investigators acted after receiving a report that Journeau had contacted the victim despite an existing no-contact order. Authorities also learned of a video allegedly depicting illicit sexual acts between Journeau and the minor. The victim reportedly told police about two separate sexual encounters with Journeau that occurred after the protective order was issued in the previous case.
New Charges Filed
Journeau is now charged with one count of first-degree stalking, one count of sexual exploitation of a child, and one count of sexual abuse of a child under 16. These charges stem from the alleged violation of the court order and the discovery of the video on her device.
This development follows an earlier case in which Journeau was charged with three counts of sexual battery of a minor involving the same individual. Court records indicate that the two had an inappropriate relationship that included sexual contact, during which Journeau allegedly supplied the victim with drugs and alcohol.
Police Interview and Arrest
Officers traveled to Journeau’s residence on September 12. She agreed to accompany them to the Pocatello Police Department for an interview but requested representation from her public defender before speaking. Upon arrival at the station, Journeau acknowledged the likelihood of her arrest.
“I know you guys are going to arrest me, yep,” Journeau reportedly said to officers.
During the interview, investigators presented a screenshot from the video in question. Officers noted that Journeau was identifiable in the footage due to a distinctive tattoo. When shown the image, she confirmed it was her but claimed the recording was made before the no-contact order took effect. She pointed to a bracelet visible in the video, stating she had lost it prior to the order being issued.
Journeau denied filming the video herself, asserting that someone else had recorded it on her phone. She also denied meeting the victim or engaging in sexual acts since the order was placed, dismissing the allegations as hearsay.
“Honest to god, I don’t remember ever having sex with (victim), and if I did, I was drunk,” Journeau stated during the interview.
Despite her denials, officers took her into custody following the questioning. She is currently represented by a public defender. The Idaho State Public Defender’s Office declined to comment on the active case.
Potential Penalties and Court Dates
If convicted of both the new charges and the previous counts of sexual battery, Journeau faces severe penalties. Combined sentences could result in life imprisonment. Additionally, she may be required to pay fines totaling up to $260,000.
Journeau is scheduled to appear in court on September 22 for a preliminary hearing regarding the new stalking and sexual exploitation charges. Her jury trial for the initial case involving three counts of sexual battery of a minor is set for November 4.