Sex assaults result in sentences of six years

A Kalispell man convicted of sex crimes against two teenage girls was sentenced to more than six years in prison during a hearing Tuesday in Flathead County District Court.

Darwin Berosik originally was charged in 2005 with forcing the girls to perform sex acts in February and March of that year.

A jury found him guilty of two felony counts July 23.

On Tuesday, District Judge Stewart Stadler imposed a sentence of 30 years for two counts, but suspended 20 years and gave Berosik credit for time served. Berosik will spend about 6 1/2 years in Montana State Prison, barring early release.

It was the third trial for Berosik. The first trial ended with an undecided jury, while the second ended with a conviction in 2007 that was overturned by the Montana Supreme Court because of a procedural error.

Berosik covered his face with his hands and declined to make a statement during Tuesday’s sentencing hearing.

His victims — one in the courtroom and the other connected by telephone — expressed forgiveness and hope. They were 15 and 16 at the time of the alleged abuse and now are 20 and 21.

“I don’t hate you for what happened,” one of the women said. “My spirit has healed knowing that the same things won’t happen to another girl by your doing.”

The second victim said she wanted Berosik to admit wrongdoing and find a measure of healing himself.

“I have gone through a lot since all this started and it has been very stressful and emotional,” she said. “I want Darwin to finish his sentencing in prison and while he’s there I want him to admit what he did and turn his life around.”

Prosecutors said during the trial that Berosik told one girl he would take her car unless she performed a sex act on him. He told the other girl that he would turn her adult boyfriend in to police unless she did the same, according to testimony.

Berosik’s defense attorney Jennifer Streano had framed the trial as a “he said, she said” case.

She said she doesn’t know if the latest conviction will be appealed.

Stadler also determined that Berosik will become a level two sex offender. It’s the first time he has been convicted of a sexual offense. He will have to pay about $5,000 in court fees, according to sentencing documents.

Reporter Eric Schwartz may be reached at 758-4441 or by e-mail at eschwartz@dailyinterlake.com