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Charlo man faces 50 years for sexual assault

JEFF SMITH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 months AGO
by JEFF SMITH
Jeff Smith is news director for Anderson Broadcasting and a contributor to the Lake County Leader. | September 10, 2026 12:00 AM

A Charlo man admitted to sexually assaulting a minor and was sentenced in Polson District Court Sept. 2. Ronald Paul Hansen, 35, was sentenced to the Montana Sate Prison for a total of 50 years with 15 years suspended.

He entered a plea of guilty in Polson District Court on July 1 to two felony charges related to the incident. A third charge was dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

According to court records, the incident was reported on Nov. 9, 2025.

Judge Molly Owen gave Hansen credit for having already served 297 days in jail. Hansen was designated a level-one offender, meaning a lower risk of re-offending.

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