CALDWELL (ID)
KTVB-TV, NBC-7 [Boise ID]
July 4, 2025
By Tracy Bringhurst
Russell Edward Graves, 44, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for sexually abusing a nine-year-old.
CALDWELL, Idaho — A Nampa man has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a nine-year-old and been sentenced to a minimum of 25 years in prison.
“The Canyon County Prosecutor’s Office acknowledges the diligent efforts of the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office in investigating this case and ensuring accountability for these offenses. The Prosecutor’s Office remains committed to protecting vulnerable victims and holding offenders accountable under the law,” the office stated.
According to the Canyon County Prosecutor’s Office, Russell Edward Graves, 44, was sentenced by Judge Thomas Whitney on July 2 and is required to serve at least seven years before becoming eligible for parole.
Graves pleaded guilty to the abuse between 2021 and 2024. He will also pay fines, court costs and restitution to the victim.
“A $5,000 civil penalty was imposed, and the existing no-contact order protecting the victim was extended,” the office stated.
Graves was a member of Involve Church in Nampa, where he volunteered as a deacon of operations. A church spokesman confirmed his prior involvement but emphasized that Graves was never assigned to work with children. According to the church, he left his position and the congregation after the allegations.
Involve Church, located in downtown Nampa, states on its website that its mission is “Involving people in the life of Christ. Involving Christ in the lives of people.” The church’s core values include belief in the authority of the Bible, the divinity of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, and the essential role of the church in Christian life.