Kalispell man denies assaulting 6-year-old

Kalispell man denied allegations Thursday in Flathead District Court that he assaulted a 6-year-old boy.

Shawn Sharp, 34, is charged with felony assault on a minor resulting in bodily injury, which carries a possible penalty of up to five years in the Montana State Prison and a fine of up to $50,000.

Sharp has pleaded not guilty.

A court document alleges the evidence of the assault was discovered after the child did not show up for school. Subsequent investigation reportedly showed that the child had sustained bruises on his face, forehead, thighs and lower legs as well as pain around his eye.

The document claims the boy sustained the injuries when Sharp hit the child’s exposed legs and backside with a belt and smacked him in the face with a diaper.

Sharp initially was incarcerated in the Flathead County Detention Center on a $5,000 bond, but was released after posting that bond.

His next hearing is set for Oct. 16.