68 year-old John Laroque appeared in Missoula Justice Court on Thursday afternoon, charged with felony sexual intercourse without consent.

Court documents indicate the alleged rape occurred on April 26 at a residence on Zaugg Drive in the Bonner, West Riverside area. The victim said Laroque had become angry with her and threw her against a wall, after which she blacked out. She awoke with severe rectal pain, and contacted 9-1-1.

The victim was taken to First Step, where medical personnel said her injuries from the assault were some of the worst they had ever seen.

Detectives questioned Laroque and he claimed to have no memory of the incident.

During Laroque's court appearance, Chief Deputy County Attorney Jennifer Clark explained her request for a high bail.

"Our recommendation is that bail remain at $50,000 based on the allegations," Clark said. "Also, the victim in this case is terrified of the defendant. He is on probation for violating an order of protection by coming around her residence. I would ask that standard conditions apply including active GPS as a condition."

Judge Karen Orzech was wary of the public defender's request to release Laroque on his own recognizance. She recounted five previous court appearances by Laroque, with the sixth being the felony charge of sexual intercourse without consent.

"Mr. Laroque is very familiar with the criminal justice system, and the criminal justice system is also very familiar with him," Orzech said.

She remanded Laroque back to the jail on $50,000 bond. His next court appearance will be in mid-November.

 

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