Bigfork man pleads not guilty to stalking

A Bigfork man returned to Flathead District Court last week to deny a new charge of stalking after he allegedly left a woman numerous threatening voice-mail messages.

Ronald Lynn Potts, 59, is currently serving a suspended sentence for partner family assault against the same woman and pleaded not guilty to felony stalking.

According to court documents, the alleged victim had an order of protection against Potts when he allegedly called her and left numerous voice messages threatening to kill her cats and dogs.

The messages included other “disparaging remarks and insults” that caused the woman to fear for her safety.

Potts is scheduled to stand trial for the new charges Sept. 11.

If convicted, he could face the revocation of his suspended sentence and an additional five years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.