Western Montana Man Accused Of Abusing 9-Year-Old Girl Over A Two Year Period

A 30 year-old Western Montana man is in the Missoula County Jail on felony charges of incest, endangering the welfare of a child, and two misdemeanor charges of partner or family member assault.

Deputy Missoula County Attorney Mac Bloom asked for $100,000 bail from Judge Landee Holloway.

"It's alleged in the complaint that the victim is a nine year-old girl and the defendant is her father, Bloom said. "There were several physical assaults reported including strangulation, and pushing her into a bed giving her a bloody nose," Bloom said. "The victim reports being sent to her room and not allowed to come out, thereby not allowing her access to the bathroom. There are also numerous reports of sexual contact by the defendant. I would ask that there be absolutely no contact with the victim, that he be tested for drugs and alcohol, have no contact with children under 18 and have no weapons at any time."

According to court documents, the suspect (who will remain unidentified to keep the identity of the victim confidential) allegedly forced the female victim to stay in her room for extended periods of time, strangled her and forced himself on her sexually.

When a neighbor took the victim to First Step for an interview, the suspect became angry with the victim and physically assaulted her.

The defendant told authorities that the female victim had lived with him for the last three years, and he vehemently denied the charges against him.

Judge Holloway set bail at $100,000 and ordered the defendant's next court appearance to be on September 12.