Libby man admits violating order of protection

A Libby man accused of violating an order of protection following multiple incidents in November 2024, entered an Alford guilty plea recently in Lincoln County District Court.

Ralph Edward Miles, 40, initially pleaded not guilty to six counts, including four felonies, related to the incidents. But on July 28, Miles pleaded to three counts of violating an order of protection. An Alford plea means the defendant maintains his innocence while acknowledging the likelihood of being found guilty at trial.

Miles is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 22.

Miles is not in custody after posting $50,000 bail Jan. 9.

According to charging documents, Judge Cuffe issued a Temporary Order of Protection Nov. 7, 2024, against Miles. He was specifically ordered not to, “harass, annoy, disturb the peace of, telephone, email, contact or otherwise communicate, directly or indirectly, with the petitioner and three protected persons.”

The order was served to Miles Nov. 9 by county Sheriff’s Office Deputy Andrew Smith. Dec. 17, Cuffe ruled the order of protection would remain in full force and effect until further order of the court.

Other court orders included Miles staying at least 1,500 feet from the petitioner and the protected persons. He was also ordered not to contact the three protected persons.

According to the information filed Jan. 17 by Deputy County Attorney Lauren M. O’Neill, Miles repeatedly violated the judge’s order. He is accused of emailing the alleged victim five times between Nov. 11 and Nov. 25.

The charging document also alleged Miles violated the order multiple times between Nov. 19 and Nov. 26, including to one of the protected persons. Miles is also accused of telling the protected person to, “Delete these messages” and detailed various negative potential life outcomes.

In the Dec. 13 narrative by investigating officer Deputy Derek Breiland, the victim said Miles has constantly texted, called, emailed and harassed her. She also reported Miles used a different phone number to contact her after she blocked him. In addition, she alleged Miles sent a friend to her business, which she moved from its previous location, in an attempt to convince her to drop the Temporary Order of Protection.

She provided multiple screenshots of texts, phone calls and emails from Miles to Dep. Breiland.

According to the charging document, Miles has two previous convictions for violating an Order of Protection.

Miles was charged with misdemeanor partner or family member assault in July 2022 and later threatening the alleged victim. The witness tampering charge was dismissed by county Attorney Marcia Boris at the request of the alleged victim.

Felony convictions for violating an order of protection may result in a Montana State Prison term of two years. Misdemeanor convictions on the same charge may result in a six-month county jail term.