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Meridian man arrested for sexually abusing vulnerable adult

Posted at 3:03 PM, Apr 19, 2017
and last updated 2017-04-19 18:47:11-04

A four-month investigation has led to the arrest of a Meridian man, charged with sexually abusing a woman who has the mental capacity of a six-year-old, police say.

Meridian Police began investigating Kevin Setter, 24, when the victim –- a 27-year-old woman –- reported to a worker at a Twin Falls behavioral health facility last year that she had been sexually abused. The victim was receiving outpatient treatment at the facility, according to reports.

“Evidence shows the abuse involved both touching and intercourse,” said Meridian Deputy Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea. “The crimes took place between November 15th and November 29th of last year at a home in the 2000 block of Wren Avenue, where Setter was living at the time.”

The Twin Falls health facility worker notified the Meridian Police Department, which then began an investigation.

The victim was visiting her grandparents in Meridian last year, when the woman and Setter “struck up a friendship,” Basterrechea said. “They met through a local church. Setter would take her to the church and drive her back home.”

A warrant was issued for Setter on April 12th. Officers arrested him without incident Tuesday at his current home in the 500 block of East Cougar Drive in Meridian.

Setter was booked into the Ada County Jail about 9:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The victim is now living with her parents in the Twin Falls area.

“We do not believe there are any other victims,” Basterrechea said.

Setter made his initial court appearance in Ada County Wednesday. Bond was set at $10,000. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 3rd at 8:30 a.m. at the Ada County Courthouse.

If found guilty, Setter faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison and a maximum $25,000 fine.