Colorado man pleads innocent to rape charges

A Colorado man charged with sexual assault and sexual intercourse without consent pleaded not guilty Thursday morning in Flathead District Court.

Robert Shinall, 36, said in court that he has been living in Colorado, but will be returning to the Flathead Valley. According to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, he has a Buena Vista, Colo., mailing address and a residence listed in San Jose, Calif.

His charges stem from alleged incidents in Lakeside between January 2003 and January 2007 first reported to the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office in California, then referred to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office.

The alleged victim was 6 years old when the abuse began, according to charging documents.

If convicted, Shinall faces between 12 and 300 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000.

The severity of the possible sentence is due to the alleged victim’s age.

Shinall is currently out on a $50,000 bond.