Man arrested in rape of toddler

BILLINGS — A 26-year-old Billings man made an initial court appearance Thursday on charges that he raped a 23-month-old girl, causing life-threatening injuries.

Police said the girl was brought to a hospital emergency room Nov. 30 with substantial bleeding. She was later flown to a Denver hospital for surgery.

Defendant Daniel Joseph Degele faces two felony charges of sexual intercourse without consent.

Authorities say the rape occurred when Degele was left alone with the victim and her two brothers for only about five minutes.

Degele appeared in Yellowstone County Justice Court by video from the county jail, and Justice of the Peace Pedro R. Hernandez set bail at $250,000.

Charging documents say Degele admitted after his arrest Wednesday that he raped the child.

Assistant Public Defender Clark Mathews made a courtesy appearance with Degele on Thursday and asked that bail be set at $75,000, citing Degele’s lifelong ties to the community and lack of criminal history.

Because of the victim’s age, the charges carry a sentence of up to 100 years in prison, according to court documents.

A plea hearing was scheduled for Dec. 16, when Degele will again be able to argue for a lower bail amount.