A Bigfork man has been charged with felony sexual assault after being accused of inappropriately touching a 6-year-old girl in 2013.

George Wilcoxen, 71, was charged in Flathead County Justice Court for allegedly molesting the girl while she was spending the night at Wilcoxen’s home.

According to court documents, the victim stated that the defendant took her into his bedroom, held her down and touched her inappropriately with his hand.

Wilcoxen’s bail was set at $20,000 during his initial court appearance before Judge Mark R. Sullivan on Monday. If released, Wilcoxen cannot have any contact with minors and must avoid all direct or indirect contact with the alleged victim and the victim’s family.

Kalispell defense attorney Scott Hilderman, who represented Wilcoxen for his initial appearance, noted that Wilcoxen turned himself in after learning of a warrant out for his arrest. The attorney asked for Wilcoxen to be released on his own recognizance, citing his client’s clean legal history and noting he is “a long-time member of the community and active in the community.”

Wilcoxen is well known especially in the Bigfork community, where he has been a volunteer for various activities. The Bigfork Eagle wrote a feature about Wilcoxen in 2010 in which he talked about playing the role of Santa Claus during the holiday season.

If found guilty of sexually assaulting a minor, he could face life imprisonment and up to $50,000 in fines.

Wilcoxen’s next appearance in court is scheduled for Aug. 18.

Reporter Sam Wilson can be reached at 758-4407 or by email at [email protected].