A Kalispell man pleaded not guilty to a pair of felonies Thursday in Flathead District Court after assaulting a man following a theft.

According to a court document, Tevin Groshelle, 19, was seen by an employee of Smith’s stealing a bag of chips and a bottle of aspirin. The employee followed Groshelle as he headed to the Blue and White Motel and confronted him about the theft.

The court document states the employee heard Groshelle ask another man inside the room to “help me beat this guy up,” but the other man refused.

At that point, Groshelle allegedly punched the employee in the face and fled on foot. The employee sustained a broken jaw and underwent surgery to affix two metal plates to his jaw.

The employee later identified Groshelle as the person who assaulted him. The second man in the hotel room confirmed Groshelle asked him to help beat up the employee, according to the court document.

Groshelle is charged with felony counts of robbery and aggravated assault, for which he faces between two and 60 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000 if convicted. His next hearing is set for May 8.

He is currently released after providing a $20,000 bond and is barred from Smith’s as part of the conditions of his release.

Reporter Jesse Davis may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at [email protected].