33 year-old Wesley John Smith was charged in Missoula Justice Court on Monday with several felonies regarding the alleged sexual and physical abuse of children over several months.

According to court documents, on January 17, Smith is accused of forcing a 10 year-old female to take her clothes off and dance around a pole while he watched.

Previously, on December 20, 2015,Smith allegedly caused physical harm to a two year-old boy by placing chili powder in his mouth.

Also, in September of 2015, Smith is alleged to have pointed a shotgun at Jane Doe's head, and in February 2014, Smith is also alleged to have assaulted Jane Doe and caused reasonable apprehension of bodily injury or death by strangling her.

Missoula County Attorney Kirsten Pabst said her office issued a $75,000 warrant with the U.S. Marshall's Office for Smith's arrest. He was apprehended at a residence in Oregon and extradited back to Missoula.

He appeared via video from the Missoula County Jail before Judge Marie Anderson. Deputy County Attorney Brittany Santorno said in addition to the charges in the affidavit, other conditions would be imposed.

"The prosecutor would also like the court to know that if our office hears of more contact that defendant has with the victims, we'll be filing a motion to double the bail amount," Santorno said.

Bail was set at $75,000, with Smith's next court appearance set for March 15.

Sexual abuse of children carries a sentence of up to life in prison and a $10,000 fine. Assault on a minor carries a possible penalty of up to five years in prison and up to a $50,000 fine. Felony assault with a weapon and aggravated assault both carry a possible sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.

 

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