Jury selection in the trial of a Columbia Falls day-care worker accused of molesting three young girls is scheduled to begin Tuesday morning in Flathead County District Court.

Prosecutors allege Pete Anthony Ampudia, 49, inappropriately touched two girls, originally 5 years old, who attended the Little Engine That Could day-care center between April 2003 and April 2008.

Charges later were amended to include a third alleged victim, a 4-year-old girl who attended the day care between December 2007 and April 2008.

Ampudia maintains his innocence, according to his attorney, Julianne Hinchey, who said more than a year ago that she expected the case to go to trial.

He has pleaded not guilty to three counts of sexual assault and two counts of sexual intercourse without consent, all felonies.

Ampudia is free pending trial on formal house arrest and living at home, where his wife still operates the day care, provided he not be there between 6:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. or when any children are present.

According to authorities, Ampudia became a licensed caregiver at the day care - which he and his wife have operated out of their Sweebee Lane home since August 1996 - in September 1999 and became involved in its day-to-day operation.

The alleged abuse occurred during or immediately after nap times, according to court records.

Two girls disclosed the alleged abuse to their mothers, who notified the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services and the Flathead County Sheriff's Office.

According to Licensing Bureau of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, an inspection of the Little Engine That Could day care in 2002 revealed deficiencies in infant care. Later inspections found the day care was caring for more children than were allowed by regulation.

If convicted of all charges, Ampudia, who has no criminal history, faces a maximum penalty of 500 years in prison and a $200,000 fine.

Reporter Nicholas Ledden can be reached at 758-4441 or by e-mail at nledden@dailyinterlake.com