A Bigfork man pleaded not guilty to felony sexual assault on Aug. 18 in Flathead County District Court.
George Wilcoxen was arrested earlier this month after being accused of assaulting a 6-year-old girl in 2013. He has since been released on bond.
On Aug. 18, Wilcoxen appeared before Judge Heidi Ulbricht and was represented by Attorney Peter Leander. County Attorney Ed Corrigan is the prosecutor assigned to the case.
According to court documents, a woman called the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office in July 2015 to report that Wilcoxen had sexually assaulted her daughter in 2013. Detectives with the Flathead County Children’s Advocacy Center conducted a forensic interview with the girl who said she stayed at Wilcoxen’s home in the summer of 2013.
During that visit, Wilcoxen allegedly took the girl into his bedroom, held her down and sexually assaulted her.
A prominent community member, Wilcoxen has volunteered for community events over the years, including dressing as Santa Claus during the holidays.
If convicted, Wilcoxen could face life in prison and a $50,000 fine. Wilcoxen is expected to stand trial in early 2017.