Idaho man sentenced to Rider Program in sexual assault case

EDITOR'S NOTE: The following article discusses topics of sexual assault. Reader discretion advised.

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — A 22-year-old local man charged with sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl has been sentenced to a rider program following a plea agreement.

Krew Zaugg was originally charged in 2025 with two felonies: rape of a victim under 16 and lewd conduct with a child under 16, according to court documents. At the time of the incident, Zaugg was 21 years old and had reportedly recently returned home from a The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints mission. Court records in the case have been sealed, and additional details of the assault remain limited.

Zaugg originally pleaded not guilty to both charges. However, in June 2026, he reached an agreement with prosecutors, pleading guilty to a lesser charge of felony battery with intent to commit a serious felony. In exchange, the charge of lewd conduct with a child under 16 was dismissed, according to court records.

On October 26th, District Judge Michael Whyte sentenced Zaugg to one year of retained jurisdiction, often known as a "rider" agreement. Under this sentence, Zaugg will serve up to a year in a correctional facility where he will complete treatment and rehabilitation programs.

Following his completion of the rider program, Judge Whyte may place Zaugg on probation or order him to serve an underlying sentence of up to 14 years in prison. In addition, Judge Whyte ordered Zaugg to pay $4,000 in fines. Zaugg will also be required to register as a sex offender.