Man pleads not guilty to assault

The Daily Inter Lake

A 43-year-old man accused of assaulting and intimidating his girlfriend pleaded not guilty Thursday to criminal endangerment, kidnapping and obstruction charges in Flathead County District Court.

If convicted, Steven Bruce Eskra could face up to 30 years in prison and $100,000 in fines.

His trial is set for early January.

Flathead County Sheriff's deputies said the charges stem from an incident that reportedly occurred on Twin Acres Road in February.

Eskra allegedly got into a fight with his girlfriend over money, grabbed her by the arm, and swung her around until she hit her head. According to reports, she suffered a 4-inch gash on her left temple.

Eskra then allegedly took the woman's cell phone, but she was able to get away and use the phone at a nearby bar.

Eskra was arrested that night for partner assault, but those charges were dismissed without prejudice, allowing the Flathead County Attorney's Office to recharge him with kidnapping, criminal endangerment and obstructing justice, all felonies.

Eskra told deputies that the woman hurt herself after falling down while drunk, but when he was arrested in February they found two cell phones in his pockets.

Eskra's arrest record shows he has been in jail several times.