Man accused of tampering with crime victim

A man is facing a felony charge after allegedly trying to get the child victim of a reported sexual assault to recant her statements about the incident ahead of an upcoming trial.

Jeremy Huffman, name and address unlisted, was charged this week in Flathead District Court with felony tampering with informants or witnesses.

Court documents claim that Jeremy Huffman took the alleged 13-year-old victim of multiple sexual assaults on a drive a couple of weeks after she came forward about the incidents.

Jeremy Huffman then allegedly asked the girl to change her statements made against the alleged perpetrator of the abuse, Richard Huffman, 66, of Marion, who is a relative.

Jeremy Huffman allegedly told the girl that things “would be better off if you changed your statement,” and “if you change your statement, everything will go back to normal.”

The girl told investigators that Jeremy Huffman alluded to the fact that the case might play a hand in the fate of his inheritance.

An arraignment date had not been set as of press time. Documents listing Jeremy Huffman’s age and location of his residence were also unavailable.

Richard Huffman has pleaded not guilty to sexual assault after he was accused of assaulting a child on multiple occasions in 2013 and 2014. The girl allegedly told school authorities about the ongoing abuse and the adult reported it to authorities.

Huffman has been conditionally released after posting bond.

A jury trial has been tentatively set for May 31.