An Arlee man was sentenced in Polson District Court Sept. 2 to the Montana State Prison for 20 years with 10 years suspended for sexually abusing a child.

Dalton Ray Best, 20, had entered an Alford plea 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.

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 victim made the report.

Prosecutor Lori Adams indicated that Best was on probation for a similar offense at the time of his arrest. Best was designated as a level-two sexual offender.

Judge Molly Owen gave Best credit for having already served 391 days in jail.