A Missoula woman attempting to help a troubled man was brutally assaulted in McCormick Park on October 12, leading to the arrest of 32 year-old Nathaniel Lake.

According to court documents, the victim and her husband were trying to get help for Lake, who has had mental problems. In early October, the couple was forced to bring an order of protection requiring Lake to have no contact with them. It is alleged that Lake attempted to contact the woman several times in defiance of the order, and on October 12, allegedly sexually assaulted her while she was in McCormick Park in broad daylight while there were other people in the area.

Deputy Missoula County Attorney Brian Lowney asked Judge Marie Anderson that Lake be held on $100,000 bail..

"As the court can see from the affidavit (attached) this was a fairly brutal attack on a woman who is friend of the defendant's. He perpetrated the attack in daylight and in public, so the state believes he is a danger to the community," Lowney said.

The victim's husband also addressed the court, telling Judge Anderson that Lake is homeless and bragged that he would leave town if given the chance. He asked that the judge ensure that Lake stay away from him and his wife.

Anderson set bail at $100,000, and remanded him back to the jail. Felony attempted sexual intercourse without consent carries a possible life sentence and a fine of up to $50,000.

 

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