Man denies felony sexual abuse charge

A Kalispell man accused of having a sexual relationship with an underage girl last year pleaded not guilty recently in court.

Bryan Michael Conner, 29, is charged with one felony count of sexual abuse of a children.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, on June 1, 2017, a concerned parent reported their child sent and received numerous inappropriate text messages. The child, who was 15 at the time, had allegedly been texting with a Conner, who was a co-worker of hers.

When officers from the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office searched Conner’s cellphone, they allegedly found messages from Conner to the girl requesting her to send nude photos or video to him. The messages reportedly indicated the girl refused, but Conner continued to persuade her and she eventually did.

There were also alleged messages that indicated Conner knew the girl was 15 years old.

According to the affidavit, when Conner was interviewed by deputies, he allegedly admitted to receiving nude photos from the girl.

Conner’s next court date was set for Thursday, May 31 for a bail reduction hearing.