Kalispell woman charged with promoting prostitution

A Kalispell woman is incarcerated in the Flathead County Jail on a charge of promoting prostitution after authorities alleged she attempted to arrange a sexual encounter.

Melenie Rose Haidys, 41, was booked into the jail Nov. 9 on one felony count of promoting prostitution. She faces a possible term of 10 years in prison. She is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday, Nov. 29.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, the investigation began in May 2018 when a Flathead County Sheriff officer worked to determine people who were engaged in prostitution. The officer saw a profile on a website advertising escort services. The site identified a woman named “Vanessa Rae,” who could provide escort services and provide contact information.

“Vanessa Rae” was later identified as Haidys, according to the criminal complaint.

The officer texted the suspect to see if she was available to meet in Kalispell on the evening of May 4. The suspect replied that she wasn’t available, but that she could arrange an encounter with an associate.

A meeting was arranged with a woman named “Ruby” at a Second Street West residence in Kalispell for $275 for sexual intercourse.

That evening, a detective, acting as the client, arrived at the apartment and met “Ruby.”

When he asked her about who arranged the meeting, “Ruby” said “Vanessa” had set it up and “Ruby” would give a portion of the $275 to her. “Ruby” then said “Vanessa” was actually Haidys.

“Ruby” said she met Haidys several months ago. She said Haidys asked her if she wanted to make some money working for her. “Ruby” said she understood the work to be prostitution.

According to the complaint, the women would arrange the meetings with clients and receive a percentage of the money “Ruby” would charge for sex. “Ruby” said Haidys contacted her to tell her about the appointment. “Ruby” was told to put $40 in a box that was intended for Haidys.

It is not Haidys’ first brush with the law. In 2015, she pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of resisting arrest after calling the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office to report that her daughter had been kidnapped, when in fact, it didn’t happen. When a deputy arrived at a Hungry Horse residence, she was seen pounding on a door and repeatedly screamed at people inside the home. She then screamed at him several times and when he attempted to arrest her, she tried to kick him and eventually scratched him, drawing blood.

A felony charge of assaulting a peace officer against Haidys was dismissed. She received a six-month suspended sentence.

Reporter Scott Shindledecker may be reached at 406-758-4441 or sshindledecker@dailyinterlake.com.