TF man pleads not guilty to sexual assault

Kosal Chea, appearing before Judge Deborah Kim Christopher on Monday, entered not guilty pleas to felony counts of sexual intercourse without consent and sexual assault. Chea’s attorney, Cheryl Copperstone, made a bond argument, requesting to release Chea on his own recognizance. However, due to the circumstances and seriousness of the allegations, Judge Christopher denied a reduction in bond at this time. The jury trial was set for November 6, 2023.

According to the charging documents, toward the beginning of May 2023, Thompson Falls City Police Officer Roy Scott responded to a report of a sexual assault of a minor. Officer Scott went to the minor’s home to speak with her and her father. The minor’s father reported that his daughter had told him Chea, who is 44 years old, had raped her on or around the evening of May 5. The minor’s father also reported that he had met with Chea to confront him, during which Chea allegedly admitted he had intercourse with the minor. The minor alleged that Chea slapped her, then perpetrated the sexual assault despite her verbal objections. She also stated that Chea had been made aware of her and her siblings' ages multiple times over the last year.

On May 24, Officer Scott conducted an interview with Chea. Per the affidavit, Chea stated he thought the minor was 16 or 17 years old, but initially denied awareness of her true age. Chea admitted to having intercourse with the minor, claiming it was consensual.

Kimberly Renee Dippre came before the court for sentencing pursuant to a plea agreement reached between the parties. Dippre’s attorney, Kimberly Durham, requested to continue the sentencing hearing, as Dippre is scheduled for a necessary surgery at the beginning of July and they have concerns about Dippre being able to have the surgery if she is in custody in Montana. After lengthy discussion between the parties regarding the situation, Judge Christopher denied the continuance, addressing her concerns if Dippre was allowed to remain in the community, as this will be her eighth DUI conviction, and the fact that the Department of Corrections will have to meet her medical needs if she is in their custody. Dippre was sentenced on a felony count of driving under the influence to a commitment of 13 months to two years to the Department of Corrections, followed by a five-year suspended sentence to the Montana State Prison. Dippre was also sentenced on a misdemeanor count of driving while privilege suspended/revoked to six months in the Sanders County Jail, all suspended, and a $500 fine. Both sentences will run consecutively, with Dippre receiving credit for time served of eight days.

Due to Dippre’s circumstances, Judge Christopher suspended the $5,000 fine, along with the other fees outlined in the presentence investigation report, pending a review by Probation and Parole after her release to community supervision. Dippre was remanded to the custody of the Sanders County Sheriff’s Office for delivery to the Department of Corrections.