Crime and Courts

Teen accused of sexually assaulting 11-year-old in Great Falls appears in court

Posted: Oct 26, 2012 9:54 AM by Erin Schermele - MTN News

GREAT FALLS - A 15-year old suspect in Wednesday's reported sexual assault of an 11-year old girl in Great Falls made an initial appearance in youth court on Friday morning.

Kaleb Kuebler is facing two felony counts of sexual intercourse without consent, one felony count of aggravated assault and one felony count of tampering with evidence.

During the court session, Detective Noah Scott of the Great Falls Police Department said that the "victim suffered a horrific event...she was nearly choked to death."

The alleged assault occurred on Wednesday afternoon when the 11-year-old girl was walking home from Roosevelt Elementary School. After she separated from some friends, a male approached her from behind near 28th Street and 6th Alley North, pulled her hat off her head, and ran into an alley, getting her to chase him. When she followed him, he reportedly physically and sexually assaulted her.

Following the assault, he reportedly tried to choke her and then fled the area on foot.

The victim was taken to Benefis Hospital, where she was treated and released for hemorrhaging and bruising.

During Friday morning's court session, the defense requested that bond be set at $25,000; the court set bond for Kuebler at $150,000.

A review hearing has been scheduled for Friday, Nov. 2.