Wednesday, October 21, 2026
27.0°F

Charlo man faces 50 years for sexual assault

JEFF SMITH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 month, 1 week 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.

ARTICLES BY JEFF SMITH

Dayton man receives five years, suspended, for ramming gate
October 1, 2026 midnight

Dayton man receives five years, suspended, for ramming gate

A Dayton man was sentenced in Polson District Court Sept. 24 to the Montana Department of Corrections for five years, with all time suspended. Orli Christensen Bitsinni, 27, entered a plea of guilty in Polson District Court on July 2 to criminal mischief.

October 1, 2026 midnight

Charlo man faces charges for threatening woman with knife

A Charlo man is accused of breaking into a woman’s home and threatening her with a knife. Anthony Allen Brooks, 35, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson District Court on Sept. 23 to felony charges of aggravated burglary and assault with a weapon.

October 1, 2026 midnight

Polson man ordered to pay restitution for keying pickup

A Polson man, who admitted to vandalizing a vehicle, had the imposition of sentencing deferred for three years in Polson District Court Sept. 24.