A Columbia Falls man accused of stalking a former girlfriend has been returned to jail after authorities said he violated his bond conditions by continuing to contact the woman.

James Leon Dotson Jr., 40, was booked into the Flathead County Detention Center July 17. His bail was set at $30,000.

The case began in April when the woman contacted the Sheriff’s Office. She said Dotson and the woman have a child together, but are no longer in a relationship. She said the woman was granted an order of protection and she said she was afraid of Dotson because he allegedly forced his way into her home and assaulted someone.

The victim said she received text messages on April 14 from a person she believed was Dotson. One of the messages referred to their son. She also said she received 41 or 42 calls from restricted numbers she believed were from Dotson.

The deputy confirmed there was an active order of protection prohibiting Dotson from contacting the woman. According to charging documents, it was signed April 8 and is in effect until April 7, 2023.

Court filings show Dotson was released from jail on April 29 on a $20,000 bond. Among the conditions of release were stipulations that he not have any direct or indirect contact with the woman. He was also ordered to follow all terms of the order of protection, which included not calling or texting the woman.

But the county attorney’s office filed a petition to revoke Dotson’s bond after the woman contacted the Sheriff’s Office June 26 and reported he had been contacting her by phone over the three previous days.

According to a court document, she said Dotson saw her at a store June 23 and began contacting her, wanting to see his son. She said Dotson contacted her 10 times by phone and she also believes he is calling her from restricted numbers because she can’t determine it is him until she answers.

The woman also said she is concerned Dotson is watching her activity because he contacted her on June 26 and said “you’re not even home” when the woman was out of the house.

Then, on July 5, the woman alleged Dotson continued to contact her. She said he was restricting his phone number and using texting apps to conceal his identity.

Dotson has pleaded not guilty. A pretrial hearing is set for Aug. 5 and a possible jury trial is set for Sept. 8.

Reporter Scott Shindledecker may be reached at 758-4441 or [email protected]