High-risk sex offender faces new felony charge for failing to register

A Columbia Falls man is in the Flathead County Detention Center awaiting arraignment for a third felony charge of failure to register as a sexual offender.

An identical felony charge was filed against Max Wayne Allen, 47, in 2014 by Flathead County prosecutors after authorities were unable to locate him at the Hungry Horse address that he provided.

Allen was released on the condition that he notify the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office of any address change within three days. On July 21, deputies went to check to see if Allen was still living at Columbia Falls trailer park he had registered as his residence in April.

Park management gave deputies records showing Allen had not lived there since June 12. Allen was caught and jailed on Sept. 14. An Oct. 2 arraignment has been set.

Prosecutors have indicated in court documents that they intend to have Allen classified as a persistent felony offender for the latest failure-to-register charge. The designation allows prosecutors to seek an enhanced sentence.

Allen is a Level Three sex offender, which means he is at high risk of re-offending. He received a three-year suspended sentence in 2010 for failure to register as a sex offender in Lincoln County.

Allen’s requirement to register stems from two convictions out of Washington state for rape of children.

Reporter Megan Strickland may be reached at 758-4459 or by email at mstrickland@dailyinterlake.com.