A Kalispell man who entered his ex's apartment allegedly in violation of a court order last month is facing a felony charge in Flathead County District Court.  

Coty Allen Weakly, 33, pleaded not guilty to one count of burglary before Judge Paul Sullivan on March 19. Sullivan set an omnibus hearing in the case for May 6 with a pretrial conference to follow on June 23.  

Weakly's ex told Kalispell Police officers that she was home with her child when she heard a noise at the front door of her apartment about 5 p.m., March 16, according to court documents. Weakly allegedly opened the unlocked door and walked in without permission.  

Weakly spent about an hour in the apartment, talking to the former couple's child, court documents said. His ex told officers she was scared to confront him about entering without permission and violating the order of protection, according to court documents.  

Weakly allegedly told her to call the police, saying he would "get out tomorrow." 

Doorbell camera footage allegedly captured Weakly approaching the door, knocking and then entering.  

Arrested, Weakly acknowledged entering his ex's apartment in violation of the order of protection, according to court documents. He said he went to see his daughter and accused his ex of withholding the child from him, court documents said.  

Seeing his daughter was more important than a piece of paper issued by a court, he allegedly told investigators.  

Weakly, who was released after posting a $50,000 bond, has two prior convictions for violating an order of protection with the same victim, according to court documents. His ex reported changing her phone number to prevent him from harassing her, court documents said.  

Felony burglary carries a maximum punishment of 20 years imprisonment and a $50,000 fine. 

News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 406-758-4430 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.