Sentence deferred for sexual abuse

A man from Salem, Ore., who admitted to inappropriate contact with a minor, was sentenced on the related charge of sexual abuse of children in District Court in Polson May 29. The imposition of sentencing for Tyler Davis Booze, 30, was deferred for six years, in accordance with a plea agreement reached March 26.

According to court records, on June 9, 2024, a deputy with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a possible sexual assault in the Dayton area. The reporting party indicated that Booze was staying on his father’s property and sleeping in a tent in the backyard, which is where the incident occurred.

The victim was 24 hours away from turning 17, according to prosecutor Lori Adams with the Lake County Attorney’s Office. She said those 24 hours made the difference between the charge being a felony or a misdemeanor.

Judge John A. Mercer gave Booze credit for having already served five days in jail. He must also complete sex offender treatment and pay a fine of $1,000 plus court costs.