Man denies rape charges

A 45-year-old Kalispell man pleaded not guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court to four felony sexual assault charges against children.

William Pataky is alleged to have molested a girl, now 16, for five years and a 14-year-old girl for the last year. According to a court document, Pataky has declined to make any comments to law enforcement based on the advice of his attorney.

If convicted of all four charges, Pataky faces up to 400 years in prison and a fine of up to $200,000. In addition, the first 25 years of any sentence may not be suspended or deferred, nor would Pataky be eligible for parole during that time.

His next hearing is scheduled for April 10.