A Shoshone County jury found Anthony Banker, 39, guilty Friday on four felony counts of injury to a child and one felony count of destruction of evidence in connection with the severe abuse of a 4-year-old in North Idaho. The verdict came after jurors deliberated approximately four hours, reaching their decision at 7:30 p.m. The conviction carries potential maximum sentences ranging up to 45 years if imposed consecutively.
The child, who was in the custody of Sage Bryant at the time of the abuse, suffered life-threatening injuries that required emergency transport by LifeFlight from Shoshone Medical Center in Kootenai County to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, Washington. Medical personnel documented two brain bleeds, a blood clot, dangerously low sodium levels, and extensive bruising on the victim’s body.
Investigation and Evidence in the Kootenai County Case
Law enforcement opened an investigation into the abuse in May 2025 after the child’s injuries were discovered. The investigation revealed that the abuse occurred at Banker’s residence near Prichard. During trial testimony, Shoshone County Prosecutor Ben Allen described evidence that detectives recovered from Banker’s devices, stating that “Detective Josey Stemrich found videos of the minor child in a car seat with a blindfold and handcuffs, audio of the child being abused, and evidence the child was being sprayed with cold water while fully clothed and shivering.”, as first reported by the Coeur d’Alene Press
The prosecution presented evidence from 16 witnesses, including seven medical professionals who testified about the child’s injuries and treatment. Additional evidence included videos, audio recordings, and text messages recovered from cellular devices. Bryant, who had custody of the victim, testified against Banker during the trial.
Co-Defendant’s Plea and Sentencing
Sage Bryant, the child’s mother, previously pleaded guilty to two felony counts of injury to a child and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Her guilty plea and subsequent testimony against Banker proved significant to the prosecution’s case, as she provided firsthand accounts of the abuse that occurred at Banker’s home near Prichard.
Banker chose not to testify in his own defense and exercised his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. Following the guilty verdict, Banker acknowledged his decision not to take the stand, stating “I should have testified,” according to court records.
Sentencing and Victim Recovery in Kootenai County
Banker faces sentencing scheduled for November. Each felony count of injury to a child carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years, while the destruction of evidence charge carries a maximum of 5 years. If a judge imposes consecutive sentences, Banker could face up to 45 years in total prison time.
The 4-year-old victim is now in the custody of the child’s grandmother and has shown significant progress in recovery since the abuse was discovered. The case reflects the serious nature of child abuse crimes in Idaho and the lengths law enforcement and prosecutors pursue to hold offenders accountable.
Other recent high-profile child abuse convictions in the region include a Coeur d’Alene man who received the maximum 20-year sentence for sexually battering seven children, highlighting ongoing public safety concerns across North Idaho.
What Comes Next
Sentencing is set for November in Wallace. The case will conclude the judicial process for Banker, though the impact on the victim and the child’s ongoing recovery will continue beyond the courtroom. Residents of Kootenai County and surrounding areas can follow updates through the Shoshone County courts as the sentencing date approaches.