Sunday, February 15, 2026
33.0°F

Jury convicts Gadison of rape

JEFF SMITH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 months AGO
by JEFF SMITH
Jeff Smith is news director for Anderson Broadcasting and a contributor to the Lake County Leader. | December 10, 2025 11:00 PM

A Lake County jury found a Polson man guilty of sexual intercourse without consent.

The trial for Barnell Kentrel Gadison, 45, began in District Court in Polson Dec. 1, and the state rested its case the following morning. By late Tuesday afternoon, the jury began deliberations. Jurors were released that evening, and reached the guilty verdict mid-morning Dec. 3.

According to charging documents, on May 10, Polson Police were called to investigate a possible rape. The alleged victim sought treatment at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center.

The woman told the officer that she was working at Dream Boutique beauty supply store on Fourth Avenue East. She indicated that she was the only one in the store when Gadison entered, sat on a couch and began to talk to her.

She said he started talking to her about relationships before the topic turned to more suggestive content, such as sexual fantasies. She went on to say that she did not know Gadison and explained that she was not interested.

Gadson told her she could touch him any way she wanted before grabbing her arm. Then, he pushed her into the bathroom after locking the front door, putting the closed sign up, and assaulted her.

Judge Molly Owen set sentencing on Feb. 25. Gadison remains in custody.




ARTICLES BY JEFF SMITH

Woman accused of writing bad checks, drug possession
February 11, 2026 11 p.m.

Woman accused of writing bad checks, drug possession

A Ronan woman is accused of intentionally writing bad checks and conspiring with others to get them cashed. Matilda Maxine Pablo, 27, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court in Polson Feb. 4 to felony issuing a bad check.

Spokane man accused of stabbing in Arlee
February 4, 2026 11 p.m.

Spokane man accused of stabbing in Arlee

A man from Spokane, Wash., with ties to Lake County is accused of an unprovoked stabbing in Arlee. Chauncy Franklin Whitwright, 46, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court in Polson on Jan. 29 to felony assault with a weapon.

Judge agrees to postpone trial for man accused of murder
January 28, 2026 11 p.m.

Judge agrees to postpone trial for man accused of murder

The trial of Cameron Francis, 50, accused of deliberate homicide, was vacated and continued without a trial date during a pre-trial hearing in District Court in Polson Jan. 22.