Rape, assault charges against Marion man dropped

Charges of rape and sexual assault against a 21-year-old Marion man were dismissed Thursday in Flathead District Court after it was determined that he was unfit to proceed.

Kyle Tharp is alleged to have raped and molested an 11-year-old girl starting when she was just 8 years old, as well as her sister, who was two years younger. Tharp allegedly admitted the offenses during interviews with police.

According to Tharp’s attorney, a psychiatric report issued May 7 declared Tharp unfit to proceed and unlikely to regain fitness in the foreseeable future.

The charges, convictions on which could have brought a sentence of between four and 400 years in jail or up to four life sentences as well as a fine of up to $200,000, were dismissed.

Flathead County Deputy Attorney Travis Ahner said he will be filing a petition to have Tharp committed to a mental health institution.