Man gets 2-year sentence for sexual assault

A 37-year-old Kalispell man received a 20-year sentence with 18 years suspended Wednesday in Flathead County District Court after being convicted of felony sexual assault in a jury trial.

Over the course of six months between the end of 2009 and the middle of 2010, Joseph Boyes slept on a pull-out couch with a 9-year-old girl he made wear lingerie and molested her, referring to her as his girlfriend.

Boyes, who according to his defense attorney still maintains his innocence, was supported by more than two dozen friends and family at the hearing.

Deputy County Attorney Lori Adams requested 40 years with 20 suspended, while the defense requested between 10 and 15 years with community placement.

Judge Stewart Stadler said part of the reason he sentenced Boyes as he did was due to extensive conversations with jurors after the trial.

“Not one of the jurors thought he should spend any time in prison,” Stadler said. “In fact they almost didn’t convict him because they were afraid he would go to prison.”

Boyes also must complete phase I of the sex offender program while in prison and complete phase II upon his release, and was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and $160 surcharge.