Registered Sex Offender Seeks Bond Reduction Ahead of Trial

Lance Paul Empey, 51, charged with felony lewd conduct with a child, asks judge to lower $300,000 bond while awaiting trial.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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A registered sex offender in Idaho Falls, Lance Paul Empey, 51, is asking a judge to lower his $300,000 bond as he awaits trial on felony charges of lewd conduct with a 9-year-old girl. Empey has been in custody for over 18 months since his arrest in July 2024 and is scheduled for a jury trial in March 2026.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about repeat sex offenders and the challenges of balancing public safety with defendants' rights as they await trial. Empey's criminal history and the serious nature of the current charges have raised questions about whether he should be granted a bond reduction.

The details

According to police reports, Empey was charged with felony lewd conduct with a child in June 2024 after a 9-year-old girl reported he had exposed himself to her and engaged in sexual activity. Empey, who has a prior conviction for battery with intent to commit a serious felony and lewd conduct with a minor, allegedly told police he didn't have a sex drive since having cancer in 2016, but also said the alleged abuse "would never happen again." Empey has pleaded not guilty to the current charges.

  • Empey was charged with felony lewd conduct with a child on June 28, 2024.
  • Empey was arrested on a warrant on July 5, 2024 and has been in custody on a $300,000 bond at the Bonneville County Jail for 581 days as of February 2026.
  • Empey pleaded not guilty to the charge on Aug. 26, 2024.
  • Empey's bond reduction motion is scheduled to be heard by the court on Feb. 23, 2026.
  • Empey is scheduled for a jury trial on March 23, 2026.

The players

Lance Paul Empey

A 51-year-old registered sex offender charged with felony lewd conduct with a child and seeking to have his $300,000 bond reduced while he awaits trial.

Idaho Falls Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated the allegations against Empey and charged him with felony lewd conduct with a child.

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What they’re saying

“I am writing this letter on behalf of Lance Empey, who has been a tenant in one of my rental properties. During the time that I have known Lance, he has consistently demonstrated qualities of responsibility, reliability and respectfulness.”

— Empey's Former Landlord (Court Filings)

“If this happened, yes, I'm truly sorry, K? And no, it would never happen again. I have no intentions whatsoever of being around (the victim) alone ever again, from this day forward, K? I will not be in her presence when it's just the two of us. If she wants to see me, that is fine, but there will be someone else there flat out, and it won't be recorded in any way, shape or form; I do not consent to that. Somebody can sit there while we talk if that's what she wants. If she doesn't want to see me, that is fine. That is her choice at this point in time.”

— Lance Paul Empey, Defendant (Police Reports)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on February 23, 2026 whether or not to allow Lance Paul Empey's request to lower his $300,000 bond.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing public safety concerns with defendants' rights, especially for repeat sex offenders. The outcome of Empey's bond reduction motion and eventual trial will be closely watched as it could set precedents for how the justice system handles similar cases in the future.