A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist and scuba diver was sentenced May 20 in federal court to 6 months in prison for abusive sexual contact for sexually assaulting a female co-worker while the two were staying at a cabin in Glacier National park’s Quartz Lake.

Federal prosecutors claim that Lawrence L. Lockard, 67, of Bigfork  inappropriately touched a woman in the cabin while she slept during a September 2015 trip to the lake.

Lockard and two colleagues went to the lake, where there’s ongoing research on lake and bull trout. Lockard and a female co-worker slept in a cabin, while the third co-worker slept outside in a tent to avoid disturbing the others with his sleep apnea. 

On the second night of the trip, the female co-worker woke to find Lockard in the bed with her, touching her inappropriately and attempting to remove her clothing.  The victim immediately got out of bed, and Lockard returned to his bed.  The victim informed him the following day that he never had permission to touch her.  Lockard admitted he was aware that the victim was wearing earplugs and had taken sleeping medication.  He stated on being interviewed by an Park Service special agent that he knew what he did was wrong and knew the victim was asleep during his attempted assault.

Lockard, a bull trout researcher, was both the victim’s supervisor and 17 years her senior, federal prosecutors note.  The sentence was enhanced because Lockard knew at the time that the victim had been drinking, had taken prescription sleep medication, and was asleep wearing earplugs when he initiated contact.  The victim testified that she still suffers from fear, anxiety, and sleeplessness as a result of Lockard’s conduct.  District Court Judge Dana Christensen ruled that despite the defendant’s lack of any criminal history, admirable employment record, and good standing in the community, any type of unsolicited sexual contact is absolutely intolerable.

The case was investigated by National Park Service Special Agent Justin Ivary and prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Duerk. Lockard also has to pay $21,872.49 in restitution to the victim and will be subject to five years’ supervised release.