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Kalispell man accused of attacking, raping girlfriend

DERRICK PERKINS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 4 months AGO
by DERRICK PERKINS
NEWS EDITOR Derrick Perkins serves as News Editor at the Daily Inter Lake. He oversees daily news coverage and works closely with reporters to plan, edit and publish stories across print and digital platforms. Perkins helps coordinate coverage of local government, public safety, business and community developments throughout Northwest Montana. He works with the reporting staff to strengthen journalism while maintaining consistent daily coverage. His role helps ensure the newsroom delivers timely, accurate reporting that readers rely on. IMPACT: Derrick’s work keeps readers informed about the decisions and events shaping their communities every day. | April 12, 2025 12:00 AM

A Kalispell man is being held in the county jail with bail set at $200,000 after allegedly assaulting and raping his girlfriend in March.  

Timothy Slater Burgess, 39, faces one count of sexual intercourse without consent in Flathead County District Court following an investigation by the Kalispell Police Department. He is expected to appear before Judge Dan Wilson for his arraignment on the felony charge on April 24. 

Officers began investigating Burgess after conducting a March 28 welfare check on a woman at the request of a third party, who raised allegations of assault and rape, according to court documents. 

The woman told officers that she was sleeping in her home when Burgess arrived and woke her up, wanting to have sex. When she told him no and tried to walk away, he allegedly grabbed her by the hair and dragged her back into the bedroom.  

Putting his forearm across her throat, he raped her, court documents said. When she tried to get away, he allegedly kicked her in the ribs.  

Burgess later described the encounter as consensual to officers, according to court documents.  

If convicted, Burgess faces up to 20 years in Montana State Prison and a $50,000 fine. 

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

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