State opposes release of Dasen release

District Judge Stewart Stadler will have to decide soon whether to free businessman Dick Dasen from jail until Dasen's sentencing on sex crimes.

Dasen was convicted by a jury on May 20 of sexual abuse of children, promotion of prostitution, and four counts of prostitution.

Dasen's attorney, George Best, has filed a motion with Stadler, asking that Dasen be freed, possibly to house arrest.

Dasen has had a heart attack and needs daily medication, Best noted. Dasen is also needed to assist in his defense pending appeal and needs to get his affairs in order in case he winds up going to prison, according to the motion from Best.

Dasen has significant ties to the community and is not a flight risk, Best wrote.

Prosecuting Deputy County Attorney Dan Guzynski disagrees.

In his motion opposing Dasen's release, he wrote that Dasen has been convicted of crimes that expose him to about 125 years in prison, which could be incentive for Dasen to flee.

He said Dasen poses a

serious risk to the community.

"The state believes there are few crimes as serious as crimes committed against children and believes the defendant will pose a danger to members of the community if released. The Montana Legislature has also characterized the offense of sexual abuse of children as a serious crime" with a sentence of up to 100 years.

Guzynski wrote that Dasen testified that after having sex with a 16-year-old girl, he was unable to sleep for two days. His resolve to stay away from minors evaporated with sexual scenarios with four other teenagers, Guzynski said.

"This continuing sexual involvement with minors reflects the defendant's inability to control himself and is a clear indication of the danger the community will be exposed to should the defendant be released prior to sentencing."

Dasen has sold his interests in all businesses he owned in Flathead County, has been living out of state and "has the financial means to leave Montana of the United States" if he chooses, Guzynski wrote.

Dasen has been in the Flathead County jail since the jury convicted him on six of 13 counts. Stadler will sentence him on July 18.