Kalispell man accused of attacking, raping girlfriend
Timothy Slater Burgess. (Photo courtesy the Flathead County Sheriff's Office)
A Kalispell man is being held in the county jail with bail set at $200,000 after allegedly assaulting and raping his girlfriend in March.
Timothy Slater Burgess, 39, faces one count of sexual intercourse without consent in Flathead County District Court following an investigation by the Kalispell Police Department. He is expected to appear before Judge Dan Wilson for his arraignment on the felony charge on April 24.
Officers began investigating Burgess after conducting a March 28 welfare check on a woman at the request of a third party, who raised allegations of assault and rape, according to court documents.
The woman told officers that she was sleeping in her home when Burgess arrived and woke her up, wanting to have sex. When she told him no and tried to walk away, he allegedly grabbed her by the hair and dragged her back into the bedroom.
Putting his forearm across her throat, he raped her, court documents said. When she tried to get away, he allegedly kicked her in the ribs.
Burgess later described the encounter as consensual to officers, according to court documents.
If convicted, Burgess faces up to 20 years in Montana State Prison and a $50,000 fine.
News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 758-4430 or dperkins@dailyinterlake.com.