Bigfork man pleads not guilty to sex assault

A 71-year-old Bigfork man has denied sexually assaulting a 6-year-old girl.

George Wilcoxen on Tuesday pleaded not guilty to felony sexual assault before Flathead District Judge Heidi Ulbricht.

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office took a report of the alleged sexual assault on July 22, 2015. According to court documents, the alleged victim was spending the night at Wilcoxen’s home in 2013 when he reportedly took her into his bedroom and assaulted her.

Wilcoxen was released on $20,000 bail. He is not allowed to have any contact with children under age 16 and must avoid all direct or indirect contact with the alleged victim and the victim’s family.

A jury trial is set to begin Jan. 17.

If found guilty of sexual assault, Wilcoxen could face life imprisonment and up to $50,000 in fines.

Hilary Matheson is a reporter for The Daily Inter Lake. She may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.