Prosecutors have filed new sexual assault charges against a Columbia Falls man already facing trial for allegedly raping a child in 2020.  

Shawn Steven Fauske, 42, pleaded not guilty to two counts of sexual intercourse without consent and two counts of sexual assault before Judge Dan Wilson in Flathead County District Court on June 11. He previously pleaded not guilty to a single count of sexual intercourse without consent in June 2022.  

At the time of his initial arraignment, prosecutors alleged that Fauske had raped one child in her Columbia Falls bedroom in June 2020. In May of this year, prosecutors filed an amended affidavit that detailed repeated instances of Fauske groping and raping that child as well as new allegations from a second minor, several of which occurred after Fauske was charged in 2022.  

Fauske knew both children, according to court documents.  

An omnibus hearing in the case is set for Sept. 9 with a pretrial conference to follow on Nov. 10.  

Sexual intercourse without consent is punishable by up to 100 years behind bars and a fine of up to $50,000. Sexual assault, because of the age of the victims, carries a maximum sentence of life behind bars and a fine of up to $50,000. 

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.