Kalispell man accused of raping sleeping teen

A Kalispell man is accused of raping a sleeping teenager at a party in 2017.

Ryan Ness, 20, is facing one count of sexual intercourse without consent, according to court documents. He is currently being held in the Flathead County Jail on $25,000 bond.

He was arraigned on the charge Thursday and entered a plea of not guilty in front of Flathead District Judge Dan Wilson. Ness’ next court date is Jan. 23.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office received a report Aug. 4, 2017, of a sexual assault that occurred at a Flathead County residence. A deputy met with the 17-year-old female victim, who said she had drank several shots of vodka at her cousin’s home Aug. 2.

After the victim became ill, she said her cousin cleaned her up, placed her in a bedroom and closed the door. The victim said she was in and out of consciousness, but woke briefly to see Ness allegedly having sex with her. The victim said Ness was her cousin’s roommate.

When a deputy spoke to the victim’s cousin, she confirmed the victim’s account and said when she went into the bedroom, she saw Ness. She said he jumped up and fell over and when he adjusted his shorts, she could see he was aroused, according to the complaint.