Kalispell man faces rape charge

A Kalispell man was booked into the Flathead County Detention Center on Wednesday on a felony rape charge.

Ethan Murphy, 19, is being held on $50,000 bail on allegations that he raped a 14-year-old twice when he was 18. The victim allegedly reported being abused by Murphy for years to a counselor.

Murphy denied the allegations that he ever touched the victim with more than “high five,” according to court documents.

But Murphy allegedly admitted to inappropriate sexual behavior with the victim when he was interviewed in April 2017 for a separate incident that was allegedly witnessed by a neighbor in Missoula.

An arraignment before Judge Dan Wilson is scheduled for Feb. 15. If he is found guilty of the charge of sexual intercourse without consent, Murphy could face between four and more than 100 years in Montana State Prison.

Reporter Breeana Laughlin can be reached at 758-4441 or blaughlin@dailyinterlake.com.