Kalispell man, 22, accused of lewd texts

A 22-year-old Kalispell man has pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of sexual abuse of children after allegedly having inappropriate contact with a 13-year-old girl over the phone.

James Carol Polston, who entered the plea Thursday in Flathead District Court, is accused of sending the teen provocative texts, eventually asking her for a topless picture.

A court document claims Polston told a detective that he had text conversations with the girl, who he knew to be the younger sibling of a friend, and that their conversations involved sexual topics.

He also allegedly admitted knowing she was 13, asking her for sexual pictures and sending her a sexual picture of himself and the question “Would you [expletive] me?”

The document alleges Polston also admitted initiating “the activity” with the girl.

The victim’s father reported the texts and photos to police after discovering them on his daughter’s phone.

Polston initially was booked into the Flathead County Detention Center, where his bond was set at $10,000, but that was later reduced to $5,000. He is now released after posting that bond.

If convicted, Polson faces between four years and life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

His next hearing is set for Oct. 16.