Missoula Man Faces Sexual Intercourse Without Consent Charge

On May 22, 2022, a Missoula Police Department officer received a report of a sexual offense that occurred in the downtown area. The reporting party stated that her daughter, Jane Doe, was raped. Doe called 911 and stated that she went out with a male, went to his residence, and woke up to the male sexually assaulting her. Police Public Information Officer Lydia Arnold provided more details.

“Officers responded for a call for service regarding an incident of sexual intercourse without consent, which had just taken place within the city limits of Missoula,” Arnold said. “Officers were able to meet with the victim, who was receiving medical attention, and begin the investigation. Officers took a preliminary statement and Missoula Police Department detectives came in to continue the investigation.”

According to court documents, Doe told the male “no” several times, but the male persisted. Doe remembered telling the male, after several attempts to have sex with her, and repeatedly telling him no, that she did not want to have sex with him and asked if he wanted a contract in writing. The male allegedly apologized for making Doe feel uncomfortable, which she said made her believe he would stop trying to have sex with her.

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“Officers were able to collect evidence,” Arnold said. “The victim was able to provide a detailed statement of the events. Officer obtained a search warrant where the crime took place. Officers took suspect 29-year-old Dylan Mendenhall into custody. This case is still under investigation with the Missoula Police Department Detective Division.”

Doe fell asleep at Mendenhall’s residence and estimated being asleep for approximately half an hour. Doe said she woke up to Mendenhall sexually assaulting her. Doe said she immediately tried to push Mendenhall off her, but Mendenhall allegedly began pinning her down by pushing on her upper left arm.

Doe stated that she hit Mendenhall in the face with her right arm since pushing him did not make him stop. According to Doe, hitting Mendenhall in the face made him stop and Doe was able to get up. Doe said she grabbed her things and left Mendenhall’s residence.

On May 22, 2022, a Missoula Police Department detective interviewed Mendenhall. Mendenhall said he and Doe took an Uber back to his residence and “hooked up.” Mendenhall indicated that at one point, Doe said she did not want to have sex anymore. Mendenhall told the detective that he stopped right away.

Mendenhall is currently being charged with one count of felony sexual intercourse without consent. Justice of the Peace Landee Holloway set Mendenhall's bail at $25,000 and ordered him to stay 1,500 feet away from the accuser.

He was released from the Missoula County Detention Center on May 24, 2022 at 4:15 p.m. His next court date is June 6 in Missoula County District Court.

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