A Polson man is facing charges he severely beat and choked an elderly wheelchair-bound woman at a group home last month.

Harley Gene Press, 25, pleaded not guilty to one count of aggravated assault.

According to a court document, a Polson police officer was called to a group home located on 13th Avenue West in Polson for an assault report.

When he spoke to a staff member, she said Press had beaten a 76-year-old woman. The victim was identified as “Jane Doe” in court documents.

The officer viewed surveillance footage and saw Press approach the woman, who was in a wheelchair. He saw Press allegedly hit the woman on the shoulder and neck. The officer said Press then “reared back” and violently hit the woman in the head four times.

The staff member approached Press and he stopped. But when the employee went to get another employee, the man allegedly choked her.

Press is facing a maximum term of 20 years in the Montana State Prison. His trial is scheduled for the July 7 term.

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