Boot camp recommended for two-time sex offender

It has been proposed that a Columbia Falls man convicted last week of a second instance of having inappropriate sexual contact with a minor should be sent to boot camp as punishment for his crimes.

On Thursday, Judge Heidi Ulbricht revoked a suspended sentence previously imposed on Jacob Dean Dalager, 22, who was convicted in 2011 of felony sexual intercourse without consent for giving $6 to a 6-year-old girl in exchange for a sex act.

Dalager’s sentence was revoked because he was convicted last week of sexual abuse of children for receiving inappropriate photographs of a 15-year-old girl. Dalager was also accused of having sex with the girl, but that charge was dropped as part of a plea agreement.

Ulbricht assumed control of sentencing for both cases on Thursday.

Looking over the plea agreement Ulbricht said that a probation officer had recommended that Dalager be sentenced to 18 years with the Montana Department of Corrections, with 15 years suspended. The probation officer recommended Dalager be sent to boot camp, Ulbricht said.

The prosecution and defense have recommended that 16 years of the 18 years be suspended.

Ulbricht gave no insight into whether or not she intended to follow the plea agreement. She set sentencing for June 16.

Reporter Megan Strickland can be reached at 758-4459 or mstrickland@dailyinterlake.com.