IDAHO FALLS – A Pocatello man has been arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing a minor at a group home in 2020.
Maxie Riddle, 37, was charged with two counts of felony lewd acts on a child under 16.
Riddle was the founder and head coach of Team Phantom at Phantom MMA & Fitness in Pocatello, according to its website.
EastIdahoNews.com reached out to Phantom MMA & Fitness, who said Riddle is not “currently” employed.
On June 29, 2020, employees at an Idaho Falls group home filed a police report alleging sexual abuse of a 14-year-old resident by Riddle, a former employee, according to court documents.
According to the report, the abuse occurred from approximately April 25, 2020 to April 29, 2020.
This case was reassigned to an Idaho Falls Police Department officer on March 26, 2024 for further investigation. When officers spoke with the victim, she detailed multiple instances of alleged sexual abuse by Riddle.
According to a police report, on April 25, 2020, Riddle drove the victim to a dentist appointment. On the way home, Riddle texted his co-worker saying he was having trouble with his car and had to stop at a car wash.
According to the victim, Riddle drove to a car wash and forced inappropriate contact with the victim.
On another occasion, Riddle reportedly entered the victim's bedroom, which she shared with another resident, and sexually assaulted her. Another resident who was sleeping in the room told police that he remembered “waking up and seeing (Riddle) sitting on the victim's bed.”
A third resident told police he saw Riddle enter the victim's room and close the door.
The victim told police that Riddle sexually assaulted her when they were alone on the bus at the group home.
Another incident allegedly occurred in a downstairs bathroom after Riddle instructed the victim to clean the toilet.
When the victim went downstairs to start cleaning, Riddle was already in the bathroom and reportedly sexually assaulted her again.
According to the victim, the fifth incident occurred in the infirmary of the group home. Court documents say Riddle was “one of the only medically certified staff members” and was giving her medication when he came into contact with her.
Staff members said their boss confronted Riddle about the abuse allegations. He reportedly stated, “I didn't know what the problem was.'' The supervisor replied, “She's a child.”
Other residents of the group home reportedly told police that Riddle would give the victim “special and preferential treatment.”
As residents learned more about the victims' situations, Riddle began extending special treatment to them, including “purchasing items such as vapes and hoodies.''
One resident told police that Riddle told him multiple times not to tell anyone.
When police contacted Riddle, he was asked to speak “about his experience working in a group home.” Riddle reportedly asked if he was being investigated, denied any wrongdoing and said he wanted to speak to a lawyer.
A warrant for Riddle's arrest was issued on April 10 and he was booked into the Bonneville County Jail on Tuesday. His bail was set at $75,000.
A no-contact order was issued to the victim, and Riddle is scheduled to appear at a preliminary hearing on April 30. If convicted, he could face up to life in prison.
Although Riddle has been charged with these crimes, it does not necessarily mean that he committed them. Everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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