Man Touches Teen’s Buttock at the Missoula Fair, Gets Charged With a Felony

On August 13, 2022, a Missoula Police Department detective was working an overtime shift at the Missoula County Fair. The detective was standing near the security office with Missoula County Sheriff’s Office deputies when a 13-year-old female, Jane Doe, approached with several friends.  

Doe told law enforcement she had been walking in the fairgrounds when an adult male she knew as Frank Rodriguez walked by her, and as he did so, he placed his hand on her right buttock. Rodriguez then turned and looked back at Doe, and smiled before continuing to walk away. Police Public Information Officer Lydia Arnold picks up the story. 

“The victim recognized Rodrigues since Rodriguez had previously worked at the cafeteria at their school and had a reputation of staring at student’s buttock,” Arnold said. “The investigation included interviewing witnesses, reviewing video surveillance, and interviewing Rodriguez. During the investigation, detectives were able to place Rodriguez at the fair event though he initially denied being there.” 

The detective informed Rodriguez that someone had reported he smacked them on the butt. Rodriguez responded, “I never touched my kids on the butt,” thinking the detective was referring to Rodriguez’s children.  

Court documents indicate Rodriguez appeared to believe the detective was asking him about a recent CPS report that had been filed, alleging Rodriguez had groped one of his daughters on her buttocks. After further discussion about the fair, Rodriguez stated, “Well, maybe I was there? But like I said, I don’t recall.” 

“Rodriguez even made a comment about how he ‘used to run around the fair and slap girls on the a**’ and followed up with he did this when he was a kid and doesn’t do this behavior anymore,” Arnold said. “During the independent witness interviews, the information provided by the witnesses corroborated what was initially reported. This case is still under investigation with the Missoula Police Department Detective Division.”  

Rodriguez is currently being charged with one count of felony sexual assault involving a minor. His bond was set at $10,000 and he was released on August 22, 2022, at around 4:45 pm.

On November 12, 2020, Rodriguez was charged with two counts of felony aggravated animal cruelty after he allegedly mutilated and killed two kittens. 

The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.