Robbery suspects plead innocent

Two men accused of wielding a gun and beating a Hungry Horse man in an attempt to collect a drug debt pleaded innocent to robbery and assault charges Thursday in Flathead District Court.

Joshua Allen Rosalez, 23, and Thomas William Rupert, 19, have been in county jail since they were arrested shortly after allegedly attacking the 36-year-old man in his home at about 11 p.m. on May 4 .

They issued their pleas to District Judge Ted Lympus Thursday morning.

   The alleged victim, a resident of First Street East in Hungry Horse, told deputies that Rupert, Rosalez and another man came to his home and demanded $1,400 prior to the assault.

He said Rupert and Rosalez were acting on behalf of another man, who claimed he was owed the money for a drug deal that occurred five years ago, according to court documents.

Rozalez, armed with a sawed off shotgun, allegedly struck the man on the back of the head as they stood in the kitchen. He said he tried fighting back and was assaulted by both Rupert and Rosalez, who later fled in a Dodge pickup truck.

By the time the alleged victim reported the assault, deputies had already stopped Rosalez’ vehicle at the intersection of Central Avenue and Second Street West.

Deputies had planned to arrest Rupert for outstanding warrants when they stopped Rosalez’ vehicle.

They were both arrested after the victim reported the alleged assault.

Rosalez has been charged with robbery and assault with a weapon. Rupert is charged with robbery, accountability to assault with a weapon and obstructing a police officer.

The robbery charges each carry maximum penalties of 40 years in Montana State Prison and a minimum of two years in prison, along with a fine of up to $50,000.

Assault with a weapon and accountability to assault with a weapon are both punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Rupert’s bail has been set at $55,135 and Rosalez is being held on $50,000 bail.