A former assisted living facility employee accused of raping a resident in 2021 pleaded guilty to a single count of sexual intercourse without consent on June 29.

James Frederick McLeod, 63, of Kalispell entered an Alford plea in Flathead County District Court after striking a deal with prosecutors. Under an Alford plea, McLeod maintains his innocence but acknowledges a jury would likely convict him based on the evidence.

Authorities began investigating McLeod after receiving a report of sexual assault from a Columbia Falls assisted living facility in October 2021. The resident, who is developmentally disabled and autistic, according to court documents, told Columbia Falls Police officers that McLeod assaulted her in her room.

According to court documents, he began by rubbing her shoulders and eventually groped her butt and crotch. The victim told officers she was terrified during the ordeal.

Under questioning, McLeod allegedly admitted groping the victim, telling officers he wanted to see if he could get aroused.

Judge Robert Allison accepted McLeod’s plea during a short hearing last week. The agreement reached by McLeod’s defense attorneys and prosecutors is a split recommendation, meaning both sides will ask the judge for different penalties during his sentencing.

A copy of the plea deal filed in district court indicates that prosecutors will seek 20 years in Montana State Prison with 13 suspended. Under their recommendation, he will not be eligible for release until completing a sex offender program.

Allison set sentencing for Aug. 11.

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