A Kalispell teen is facing one felony count of sexual assault and another felony account of sexual intercourse without consent after he allegedly abused a young girl for a number of years in multiple incidents that escalated in severity.

Cole Anderson, 17, was charged recently in Flathead District Court.

According to court documents, the 13-year-old alleged victim said that she had been raped by Anderson at a residence in Kalispell.

The girl said the abuse had started when she was in fifth grade and Anderson kissed her. The next year Anderson and a friend allegedly made the girl kiss them in a game of “truth or dare.” She said that about a year after that, Anderson began inappropriately touching her and that when she was in seventh grade Anderson raped her for the first time.

Anderson allegedly raped her at least two more times in the next four months.

The girl said the last time it happened was around New Year’s Day when Anderson held her down, punched her in the stomach, and forced her to have sex with him.

 The case is set for a hearing on May 19. Anderson faces up to life in prison if convicted.

Though Anderson is a minor, the case has been filed in Flathead District Court instead of Youth Court.

Reporter Megan Strickland can be reached at 758-4459 or mstrickland@dailyinterlake.com.