Judge dismisses case against father accused of hitting child in 2020
DERRICK PERKINS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 7 months, 1 week AGO
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. | March 18, 2026 12:00 AM
A Kalispell father accused of hitting his child later saw the felony case against him dismissed.
Prosecutors first filed a felony assault on a minor charge against Juan Carlos Mejia-Prado, 37, in Flathead County District Court in April 2020. Booked into the county jail nearly five years later, Mejia-Prado pleaded not guilty before Judge Paul Sullivan at his Feb. 27, 2025 arraignment.
But just a day later, prosecutors filed a motion to dismiss the case "in the interest of justice." Sullivan ordered it dismissed with prejudice that same day.
Kalispell Police officers began investigating Mejia-Prado after the mother of his child accused him in January 2020 of striking the minor with a belt, according to court documents.
News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 758-4430 or [email protected].
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