Arlee man enters Alford Plea in sex abuse case
JEFF SMITH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 days, 12 hours AGO
Dalton Best
Jeff Smith is news director for Anderson Broadcasting and a contributor to the Lake County Leader. | July 2, 2026 12:00 AM
Dalton Ray Best, 20, of Arlee, entered an Alford plea in District Court in Polson June 24 to sexual abuse of children.
In an Alford plea a defendant cedes the case based on state’s evidence without admitting guilt. It carries the same weight as a conviction.
The plea agreement calls for the state capping its recommendation for sentencing to 20 years in the Montana State Prison with 10 years suspended. The defense may argue for any legal sentence, and the judge is not bound by the agreement.
According to court records, on July 31, 2025, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office received a report that a photo depicting nudity was shown to a child. The mother of the alleged victim made the report.
Judge Molly Owen set sentencing for Aug. 12.
ARTICLES BY JEFF SMITH
Jorgenson sentenced to four years for sexually assaulting minors
A Ronan man who pled guilty to sexual assault was sentenced in Polson District Court on June 24 to 10 years in the Montana State Prison, with six years suspended, for assaulting four minors.
Mission man admits to stealing guns, car
A St. Ignatius man who admitted to breaking into a St. Ignatius residence and stealing firearms pled guilty in Polson District Court June 25 to two counts of burglary. Gentry William Brown, 28, also entered a plea of guilty to theft of a light vehicle stemming from a separate incident.
Arlee man enters Alford Plea in sex abuse case
Dalton Ray Best, 20, of Arlee, entered an Alford plea in District Court in Polson June 24 to sexual abuse of children. Judge Molly Owen set sentencing for Aug. 12.