A Kalispell man accused of raping a young girl in 2021 pleaded guilty to sexual intercourse without consent in Flathead County District Court on Dec. 5.

Ray Allen Roberts, 52, entered an Alford plea to the felony charge after striking a deal with prosecutors in late November. In an Alford plea, the defendant maintains their innocence while acknowledging a jury likely would find them guilty.

Under the terms of the agreement, prosecutors will recommend Roberts serve 25 years of a 45-year sentence behind bars in the Montana State Prison. They will ask that he remain ineligible for parole prior to completing two phases of sex offender treatment.

Authorities began investigating Roberts after the victim’s mother and grandmother reported the alleged rape in October 2021. According to court documents, the victim, then age 4, told them that Roberts put his genitals into her mouth after luring her into the bathroom of a relative’s home. The incident allegedly occurred on or around June 27 of that year.

Judge Robert Allison accepted Roberts’ plea change on Dec. 5 and set sentencing for Feb. 16. Roberts has remained in custody since his arrest in March with bail set at $100,000.

News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 758-4430 or [email protected].