BOISE, Idaho — A Boise business owner is in jail and is being charged with felony counts of rape and attempted strangulation.
Craig Ryan Branham is the owner of Idaho Rocks & Gems and the founder of a local rockhounding group. During his arraignment on Nov. 12, prosecutors said after an argument between Branham and a woman he knew, Branham grabbed the woman by the throat and shoved her into a wall.
Prosecutors then detailed a violent rape that lasted for about 30 minutes, where the victim repeatedly told him to stop and physically resisted.
The alleged rape happened on Nov. 11. Prosecutors say police were called to the scene, where they saw the victim had bruises, redness on several parts of her body, and a burst blood vessel in her eye.
During the arraignment, Judge Joanne Kibodeaux said if the allegations are true, Branham poses an extreme risk to the public - especially the victim.
A $500,000 bond was set, and Branham was given a no-contact order for the victim.
His preliminary hearing is set for Friday, Nov. 22, at 8:30 a.m.