GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) - A Great Falls man facing charges that he raped four girls between the ages of 12 and 14 has reached a plea agreement that recommends he be sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Kristian Underdahl, 18, pleaded guilty Monday to one count of sexual intercourse without consent during a hearing before District Judge Greg Pinski, the Great Falls Tribune (https://gftrib.com/OhlEOh ) reported.
Underdahl also has agreed to enter an Alford plea on another rape charge in a case being heard by District Judge Kenneth Neill. Under such a plea, a defendant does not admit guilt, but acknowledges prosecutors have enough evidence to gain a conviction.
In exchange, prosecutors agreed to drop eight other rape counts and recommend Underdahl be sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by 35 years of probation. Prosecutors would also dismiss two sexual assault charges and a count of aggravated kidnapping.
A separate Youth Court case against Underdahl is not affected by the agreement.
Pinski, who rejected an Alford plea on the case in his court, stressed that he has the discretion to hand down a longer sentence.
During Monday’s hearing, Underdahl admitted having non-consensual sex with a 13-year-old girl when he was 16. In Montana the age of consent is 16.
In the case before Judge Neill, Underdahl is to acknowledge he forced a 14-year-old girl to have sex with him when he was 17.
Two women who said their daughters were among Underdahl’s victims questioned the agreement’s sentencing recommendation. One said her daughter attempted suicide as a result of Underdahl’s crimes.
Pinski said victims and their families will be able to testify during Underdahl’s May 7 sentencing hearing.
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Information from: Great Falls Tribune, https://www.greatfallstribune.com
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