Woman admits witness tampering

A Columbia Falls woman pleaded guilty Thursday to tampering with a witness in a rape case and bail jumping.

Rhonda Bucher, 37, admitted trying to persuade a girl not to cooperate with authorities in the prosecution of Larry Lindberg.

Lindberg was convicted by a jury in July of sexual intercourse without consent and three counts of sexual assault involving two girls.

Lindberg reportedly began molesting one of the girls when she was about 10. She later told about the abuse when she learned that Lindberg also was molesting her younger sister.

Bucher admitted trying to interfere with the case by coaxing the older girl not to testify or cooperate. According to testimony at trial, Bucher witnessed Lindberg assaulting the girl on one occasion.

Bucher was romantically involved with Lindberg.

Tampering with witnesses or informants is a felony that carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.

Bucher also admitted a misdemeanor charge of jumping bail by not showing up for trial.

She will be sentenced on Oct. 27. Lindberg's sentencing is next month.