A Ronan man is accused of raping a woman in a public park. Matthew Julian Michel, 38, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson District Court Sept. 16 to felony sexual intercourse without consent.

According to court records, on Aug. 29, Ronan Police were dispatched to a report of a possible sexual assault at the Ronan City Park. The reporting party indicated that she witnessed a male removing the pants of an unconscious woman. 

When the officer arrived on scene he observed Michel at a table on the south side of the park, and a woman, who appeared to be unconscious, laying on another table. Her shorts were unbuttoned and the zipper was down. 

The officer attempted to illicit a response from the woman without success. He called for an ambulance as Michel was walking away.

The unconscious woman was transported to an area hospital. The officer then interviewed the reporting party. She indicated that she saw the alleged victim in the park and noticed she was unable to walk without assistance. 

She also stated that she saw a man matching Michel’s description taking the woman’s pants off and “doing stuff” to her. That’s when she called Lake County Dispatch. 

When the alleged victim was able to provide a statement to police, she didn’t remember having sex in the park. When she was given a description of a possible suspect she became upset and said, “I think I know who you are talking about.” 

She said she remembers seeing Michel earlier and described him as a “weirdo.” She also stated Michel had previously made sexual comments toward her when she was underage.

When police arrested Michel and questioned him about the incident, he admitted to having sex with the woman.

Judge Molly Owen set the case for trial on March 1. Michel remains in custody with bail set at $50,000.