Convicted Child Predator Edmund Bergeman Faces Idaho Parole Hearing, Daughter Urges Public Opposition
KOOTENAI COUNTY, Idaho — A man convicted in what authorities described as Kootenai County’s largest child pornography case is scheduled for a parole hearing on May 1, and his own daughter is now publicly campaigning to keep him behind bars. Edmund Bergeman, a former Twin Lakes resident who has served 20 years in an Arizona prison, could return to North Idaho if the parole board approves his release.
Background on the Kootenai County Case
Bergeman pleaded guilty in 2007 to a series of serious crimes, including drugging and sexually abusing three young girls, raping an unconscious woman, and possessing approximately 15,000 pictures and videos of child pornography. The case remains one of the most significant child predator prosecutions in Kootenai County’s history. He has been held in an Arizona correctional facility since his conviction.
Under Idaho law, inmates serving time out of state may be transported back to Idaho upon receiving parole. Should the parole board approve Bergeman’s release, he would be returned to Idaho — a prospect that has alarmed community members and prompted an urgent public response campaign.
Daughter Speaks Out Against Release
Rebecca Brady, Bergeman’s daughter, lives in Arizona and has taken the lead in opposing her father’s potential release. She has written directly to the Idaho Department of Corrections expressing her safety concerns and is now urging members of the public across North Idaho and beyond to do the same.
“The community, I feel like, wouldn’t be safe no matter where he’s at,” Brady said. “I don’t feel like any female child, adult, it doesn’t matter. I don’t feel like anybody would be safe if he was to be released.”
Brady said she personally would not feel safe if her father were released. She is asking community members to submit letters to Idaho’s parole victim services to formally oppose Bergeman’s release. According to Brady, letters must be received by this Friday in order to be considered before the May 1 hearing.
“Maybe write a letter and explain to the parole why you don’t feel safe if he was to be released in the community,” Brady said.
Impact on Kootenai County Residents
If Edmund Bergeman is granted parole, the Idaho Department of Corrections would transport him back to the Panhandle region, placing him in or near the community where his original crimes were committed. For residents of Kootenai County — including families in Coeur d’Alene, Rathdrum, and surrounding areas — the potential return of a convicted child predator raises serious public safety concerns.
Brady’s appeal reflects a broader anxiety that individuals convicted of severe crimes against children may not be rehabilitated after serving their sentences. Her willingness to publicly oppose her own father’s release underscores the gravity of the situation and the depth of the concern within the community.
Public safety has been a recurring priority across Kootenai County in recent months. Local leaders, including newly appointed Coeur d’Alene Fire Chief Jon Fugitt, have emphasized community protection as a core responsibility of local government and public institutions.
What Comes Next
The parole hearing for Edmund Bergeman is scheduled for May 1. The Idaho Department of Corrections’ parole victim services office is accepting public comment prior to that date. According to Brady, letters and emails must be received by this Friday to be included in the record before the hearing takes place.
Community members who wish to oppose Bergeman’s release are encouraged to contact the Idaho Department of Corrections directly. Brady has provided the following contact email for parole victim services: parolevictimservices@corr.idaho.gov.
Brady’s message to the public is straightforward: make your voice heard before the deadline. She is asking North Idaho residents — and anyone concerned about public safety — to submit written statements explaining why they believe Bergeman should not be released into any community.
Readers looking for additional statewide public safety and criminal justice coverage can visit Idaho News for ongoing reporting from across the state.