A Three Forks man was seen in Gallatin County Justice Court on felony sexual assault charges on Friday.
Jason H. Meppelink, 20, is accused of assaulting a 9-year-old girl during the summer of 2018.
Meppelink had been identified by a Belgrade Police detective after an interview with a girl that stated she had been “touched” and “tickled” by Meppelink.
During a Dec. 19 interview with law enforcement, Meppelink admitted putting his hand down the front of the victim’s pants for sexual gratification.
Judge Bryan Adams set Meppelink’s bail at $25,000. If convicted, he could face up to 100 years in prison for the charge. Meppelink was also ordered to have no contact with the victim.
