Rape suspect misses court appearance

A bench warrant has been issued for a man who failed to appear for his initial appearance on a charge of rape.

Jacob McLaverty previously was released in Washington after posting a $30,000 bond and was ordered to report in Flathead County.

He did not show up for his hearing Thursday in Flathead District Court, where he is charged with felony sexual intercourse without consent.

District Judge Heidi Ulbricht ordered that a new $30,000 bench warrant be issued and his previous bond forfeited.

A court document alleges a girl who fell asleep in a room during a party on July 29, 2013, awoke to McLaverty raping her, which went on for roughly half an hour despite her repeated attempts to stop him. She told police that when McLaverty finally stopped, he apologized and left.

If convicted, McLaverty faces between two and 100 years or life in the Montana State Prison and a fine of up to $50,000.