Pablo man arraigned on sexual assault

by Brandon Hansen
| June 21, 2012 12:30 PM

POLSON — A 43-year-old Pablo man was arraigned last Wednesday in Lake County District Court on charges of sexual intercourse without consent and partner family member assault. David Martinez pleaded not guilty to the charges and his omnibus hearing has been set for Wednesday, Aug. 8 at 9 a.m.

According to Flathead Tribal and Ronan Police reports, on May 22, Martinez allegedly assaulted his girlfriend by bouncing her head off a door frame and then sexually assaulting her with his fingers.

Martinez confronted a woman, put his hands down her pants and despite the victim’s plea to stop, he assaulted her, the court affidavit said. Then, Martinez hit his girlfriend’s head against the door, ripped her hair, knocked a tooth lose and broke her sunglasses. Officials noted that the victim had a lump on her forehead, her upper and lower lips were swollen and bleeding and her tooth appeared out of alignment. She was transported to St. Josephs Hospital and was examined by doctors, who saw signs of sexual assault.

Officers located Martinez at his residence. They noted there were blood marks on his door frame and a broken sunglass lens on the floor.

Martinez has two prior convictions of partner or family member assault or violations in a similar stature in another state. For these charges he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a fine of $50,000.

If the case goes to a jury trial, the court date is set for Monday, Oct. 12 at 9 a.m.