Kalispell man changes plea in sexual assault case

A Kalispell man pleaded guilty by way of Alford to one count of felony sexual intercourse without consent July 27 in Flathead District Court.

Hank Coughran Jones, 40, withdrew a not guilty plea to the charge by entering a plea of Alford. An Alford plea convicts an individual who admits there is a chance that the defendant could be found guilty at trial, but allows him to maintain innocence.

As a result of changing his plea, the state moved to dismiss a second charge of felony sexual abuse of children. As per a plea agreement filed in court on July 25, the state will recommend the court impose a sentence of 40 years to Montana State Prison with 20 years suspended, while the defendant will recommend a 20-year prison sentence with all time suspended.

According to court documents, a relative of the victim contacted Whitefish Police Department on Nov. 8, 2016 to report information concerning the sexual conduct between Jones and the 15-year-old victim. The relative reportedly told police about finding a ringing cellphone he did not recognize in the victim’s bedroom and answered the FaceTime (video) phone call. The relative said he allegedly recognized Jones on the other line, before Jones hung up. There were reportedly extensive conversations between Jones and the victim along with multiple pictures of Jones exposing his genitals on the phone, according to court documents. The victim allegedly received the phone from Jones after her cellphone had been taken away.

After the phone was sent out to be analyzed, in addition to numerous photos of Jones exposing his genitals, law enforcement reportedly found nude photos of the victim that had been exchanged according to court documents. Police also reportedly discovered photographs of Jones and the victim engaging in sexual intercourse sent between the two phones. During an interview with law enforcement, the victim allegedly said she and Jones engaged in sexual intercourse on two occasions at his residence.

An aggravation or mitigation of sentence hearing is set for 9 a.m. Oct. 19.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.