Man pleads not guilty to sexual abuse of girls

A 45-year-old man has denied that he sexually abused two young girls, ages 8 and 13.

Robert Earl Brantley of Kalispell pleaded not guilty May 25 to one count of sexual intercourse without consent and one count of sexual assault before Flathead District Judge Dan Wilson.

According to court documents, the first report against Brantley came in July 2016 from the 8-year-old, who told her parents she had been in bed when Brantley allegedly stuck his finger and then his penis into her mouth.

The second report came in October when officers responded to Kalispell Middle School when the 13-year-old claimed Brantley had engaged in behavior that had made her uncomfortable several times over the summer.

The teen said Brantley attempted to put his hands down her pants, kissed her and put his head under a blanket near her genitals, saying he wanted to lick her.

Following his plea of not guilty, Brantley’s boss and his wife took the stand in his defense as part of a request for a bond reduction.

Brantley’s boss testified that he was a “model employee” and would have a job if released into the community.

His wife said Brantley is the sole provider for her and their three boys, who would potentially become homeless if Brantley did not make bail.

Following their testimony, Wilson reduced Brantley’s bail to $10,000, requiring him to submit to GPS monitoring and restricting his contact with minors to his own children if he was released.

A jury trial was set for Aug. 7.

If convicted, Brantley could face up to 100 years in prison and a maximum fine of $50,000 for each count.

Reporter Mary Cloud Taylor can be reached at 758-4459 or mtaylor@dailyinterlake.com.