Polson man charged with rape

A trial was set for a Polson man accused of raping a woman at her place of employment. Barnell Kentrel Gadison, 45, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court in Polson May 28 to sexual intercourse without consent.

According to charging documents, on May 10, Polson Police were called to investigate a possible rape. The alleged victim sought treatment at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center.

The woman told the officer that she was working at Dream Boutique beauty supply store on Fourth Ave. E. She indicated that she was the only one in the store when Gadison entered, sat on a couch and began to talk to her.

 She said he started talking to her about relationships before the topic turned to more suggestive content, such as sexual fantasies. She went on to say that she did not know Gadison and had explained to him that she was not interested.

Gaidson allegedly told her she could touch him any way she wanted before grabbing her arm. He then pushed her into the bathroom after locking the front door, putting the closed sign up and assaulting her.

Judge Molly Owen set the case for trial on Nov. 3. Gadison remains in the Lake County Jail with bond set at $500,000.