A western Montana man appeared in Missoula Justice Court on Friday to face charges that he sexually molested a minor over a period of nearly a year.

In order to protect the identity of the victim, the suspect’s name, age and hometown are not being revealed.

Deputy Missoula County Attorney Lacey Lincoln asked Judge Marie Andersen for $500,000 bail, due to the serious nature of the charges.

“Either he touched, or he had the victim touch him multiple times over the last approximately a year,” said Lincoln. “The victim disclosed this to a school counselor. This defendant stated that the victim comes on to him, but he is weak and said it wouldn’t happen again, but then he would go ahead and continue to sexually assault the victim.”

Lincoln provided more information to Judge Anderson

“The defendant does have a previous conviction for sexual assault, as well as indecent exposure from the early 1990’s,” she said. “The defendant has made statements about committing suicide if he had access to a firearm, and there are firearms contained in the defendant’s home. The State is requesting bail in the amount of $500,000.”

Judge Andersen set bail at $100,000 and ordered the defendant to have absolutely no contact with the victim or any witnesses in the case. He will appear in court again in December.

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