Garrison pleads not guilty to rape
<p>Robert Gene Garrison, Jr.</p>
A Troy man charged with six counts of sexual intercourse without consent with three underage girls pleaded not guilty in Lincoln County District Court on Monday.
Robert Gene Garrison, Jr., 37, was charged related to alleged incidents between July 1 and Aug. 30.
He faces up to 600 years in prison and $300,000 in fines if convicted.
Defense Attorney Lane Bennett requested more time to interview witnesses. Judge James Wheelis set an omnibus hearing for Jan. 9.
Garrison is currently being held in the Lincoln County Jail on a $100,000 bond.
According to the police report, Garrison had sex with a 13-year-old and two 14-year-old girls, who also had sex with a 17-year-old male. The activity between the girls and the 17-year-old was reportedly consensual, according to court documents, but at least two of the girls allegedly told Garrison no. In Montana, children under the age of 16 are legally incapable of giving consent.
County Attorney Bernie Cassidy offered the 17-year-old an agreement not to fight a transfer to youth court if he cooperated with the investigation.
Caleb Soptelean can be reached at 293-4124 or by email csoptelean@thewesternnews.com.