An 18-year-old Pocatello man is facing three felony charges after police say he sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl he met on Snapchat — then jumped out a bedroom window when the victim’s mother knocked on the door.
Ignacio Josu Iturrios Celis was charged with lewd conduct with a minor under 16, rape, and sexual abuse of a child under 16, following an incident reported to the Pocatello Police Department on August 22 at approximately 5 p.m.
How the Incident Unfolded
According to investigators, Celis had connected with the teenage girl through Snapchat. The victim reportedly told him before they met in person that she was 15 years old. Celis is accused of entering her residence through a bedroom window, where the alleged assault took place.
When the girl’s mother knocked on the bedroom door, Celis fled the same way he had entered — through the window — and took a condom with him as he left.
Police later brought Celis in for a formal interview at the Pocatello Police Department. After being read his Miranda rights, he initially denied having any sexual contact with the girl. He then reversed course, admitting to having sex with her on multiple occasions. His account of what he knew about her age also shifted during questioning — he first said he believed she was 16 or 17, then acknowledged he was aware she was 15.
Charges and Court Dates
Celis now faces three serious felony counts. He has applied for a public defender, though one had not yet been assigned at the time charges were filed. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 2 at 9:45 a.m. before Magistrate Judge David Hooste.
Cases like this one have drawn increased attention across Southeast Idaho as law enforcement agencies work to address internet-facilitated crimes targeting minors. Platforms like Snapchat have become a recurring point of contact in cases where adults seek out underage victims. A Heyburn Police sergeant was arrested earlier this year in connection with an internet crimes against children investigation, underscoring that such threats can come from within communities and across them.
Parents and community members are encouraged to monitor their children’s social media use and report any suspicious contact to local law enforcement immediately.
What Comes Next
Celis is due in front of Magistrate Judge David Hooste on September 2, where prosecutors will present evidence to establish probable cause for the charges to proceed. If bound over to district court, he will face arraignment on the three felony counts. A conviction on any of the charges could carry significant prison time under Idaho law. The case remains active, and additional developments are expected following the preliminary hearing.